Clark County was created by the legislature of Missouri Territory on December 15, 1816, and named for the territorial governor, William Clark. It comprised, roughly al of the present Clark, Hot Spring, Garland, Pike, and Dallas counties. Early county seats were at or near homes of Jacob Barkman on the Caddo and Adam Stroud near Hollywood and the town of Biscoeville. In 1830 the seat was established at Greenville, where it remained for twelve years, was moved to Arkadelphia in 1842.

The county has an area of 878 square miles and a population of 20, 743. This marker was placed in 1980.

This boulder was taken from the foundation for the core section of Degray Dam 1967. B.W. Hasley, County Judge 1959 - 1968.

In memory of thouse who lost their lives in the Clark County Tornado March 1, 1997.

Abby Brian
DeMorris Christman
John Christman
Reita Coffey
Donna Duboise
Michael Lumpkin

Clark County
First Manufactory in Arkansas

Indians in primeval times, DeSoto in 1541, pioneers of the 1800's and Confederates during the civil war obtained salt from the creek and old well here. John Hemphill in 1812 opened one of the first manufactories in Arkansas, a salf refinery.

Salt Kettle
Used in the production of salt from the water of the Saline Bayou one mile east of Arkadelphia by John Hemphill, Pioneer salt maker of Arkansas Territory, circa 1814. Given to the Henderson State Teachers College Museum by the family of Capt. Robert W. Huie, 1845 - 1929, friend and benefactor of the College.

A few blocks from the Court House is this sign:

At or near this site
Adam Blakely operated a Blacksmith Shop from 1810. The settlement was called Blakelytown until 1838 when the name Arkadelphia was adopted. It became the Clark county seat in 1842.

Until the railroad came in 1878, river transportation to points as far as New Orleans flourished. The wharf was on the south bank between the two present bridges. Prior to 1908, all vehicular river crossing was by ferry.