Randolph County, Arkansas
Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox U.S. county
Randolph County is located between the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas Delta in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for John Randolph, a U.S. senator from Virginia influential in obtaining congressional approval of the Louisiana Purchase, which includes today's Randolph County. Created as Arkansas's 32nd county on October 29, 1835, Randolph County has two incorporated cities, including Pocahontas, the county seat and most populous city. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns.
History
Early history and settlement
The earliest sighs of human settlement in Randolph County have been traced to roughly 11,000 BC. Archaeological sites from several time periods onward have been discovered in the county, but the most well documented is the Mississippian culture, which lasted from 900 AD to roughly 1600 and has several sites and archeological artifacts represented in the county. Native Americans from tribes such as the Mitchigamea and Osage are believed to have had a presence in the county from the 1600s and onward, but they never permanently settled the area.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> Any small Native groups that may have settled the county are believed to have left due to the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes, never to return.<ref name=":2" />
Randolph County remained unexplored by Europeans throughout the 1600s and 1700s, although the wider territory it was part of traded hands several times between the Spanish and the French. A small group of French eventually settled the area in the late 1700s, and they were quickly joined by Americans following the Louisiana Purchase.<ref name=":2" />
Originally part of Lawrence County, what is now Randolph County gained increased importance as the Arkansan gateway to the Southwest Trail. The first settlement was established at Davidsonville, which quickly grew and was the site of Arkansas's first post office. As the trail shifted, Davidsonville decreased in importance, and the nearby town of Bettis Bluff (now Pocahontas) developed into the economic seat of the county. Steamboats arrived in Randolph County in 1829, and the favorable geography of the county, which contained over five rivers, led to an economic surge and the establishment of Randolph County as one of the most important trading centers in the state. The county was broken off in 1835, and by 1860 its population had surged from nearly zero people to nearly 7,000.<ref name=":2" />
Civil War and Reconstruction
While slavery had never been crucial to the county's economy, nor was there a large slave population (only slightly over 5% of the county), the geographic importance of the county and the presence of Pitman's Ferry made Randolph an early assembly area during the American Civil War. After the Confederate army assembled and moved east, the county was left weakly defended and skirmishes ensued. The Union captured the county in 1862, and it remained in Union hands until the end of the war.<ref name=":2" />
After the war, Randolph County, which had been spared most of the South's devastation and had few economic setbacks due to the limited amount of pre-war slavery, continued to prosper as the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway came to the county. The lumber industry gained importance during this time, and post-war prosperity led to a series of public works projects and the development of a tourist industry centered around the hot springs. A large number of German immigrants came to the county during this time, creating a strong Catholic presence.<ref name=":2" />
20th century to present day
Like many rural counties, Randolph County suffered economically during the Great Depression, although the Works Progress Administration was especially effective in the county and produced several public works projects and new highways, which dampened the economic blow. World War II brought mixed results for the county, with hundreds of working men being killed in action or moving to other more high-paying areas even as the introduction of light manufacturing led to a slight economic boom. Randolph County's population eventually rebounded during the late 20th century, although its economic growth remained stagnant after.<ref name=":2" />
Today, Randolph County has a stable population due to its relatively diversified economy, although like many agricultural counties, the overall economic status of the county remains poor. The county remains dominated by public services and light industry, although it has benefited from the growth of the Jonesboro metropolitan area and the local tourist economy.<ref name=":3" />
Geography
Template:See also Randolph County is located where the foothills of the Ozark Mountains intersect the Arkansas Delta (in Arkansas, usually referred to as "the Delta") in the southeast part of the county. Two of the six primary geographic regions of Arkansas, the Ozarks are a mountainous subdivision of the U.S. Interior Highlands, and the Arkansas Delta is a subregion of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is a flat area consisting of rich, fertile sediment deposits from the Mississippi River between Louisiana and Illinois.<ref name="eoc" >Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> The Black River roughly divides the two regions in Randolph County.<ref name="ran">Template:Cite map</ref> According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert (0.6%) is water.<ref name="area" />
The county is located approximately Template:Convert northeast of Little Rock, Template:Convert northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, and Template:Convert southwest of St. Louis, Missouri.<ref group="Note">Mileages from Randolph County to Little Rock, Memphis, and St. Louis are based on highway miles using county seat Pocahontas for Randolph County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> </ref> Randolph County is surrounded by three Delta counties: Clay County to the east, Greene County to the southeast, Lawrence County to the south, one Ozark county, Sharp County, to the west, and two Missouri counties, Oregon County to the northwest, and Ripley County to the northeast.
Hydrology
Water is an extremely important part of Randolph County's geography, history, economy, and culture. The many rivers, streams, and ditches crossing the county have featured prominently since prehistoric times, and many of the hundreds of archaeological sites are along waterways. Tribes of Lenape, Shawnee, and Cherokee were settled in the area along rivers but left the area following the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes.<ref name="eoc" />
Randolph County is home to five major rivers: Black River, Current River, Eleven Point River, Fourche River, and Spring River.
Running from east to west toward its own mouth in the southern tip of Randolph County, the Black receives the Current River and Fourche River east of Pocahontas. The Current River serves as the northeastern county boundary with Clay County before turning southwest, passing Reyno and Biggers and meeting the Black east of Pocahontas. The Fourche River enters Randolph County near Doniphan, Missouri and runs south to meet the Black east of Pocahontas. The Black meets the Spring at the southern tip of Randolph County near Black Rock.
The Spring River serves as the county's southwestern boundary with Lawrence County between Davidsonville Historic State Park and Ravenden. The Eleven Point River enters from Missouri near Billmore and runs south to empty into the Spring just west of the state park.
Rivers brought early prosperity to the county during white settlement for navigation. Control of the rivers and Pitman's Ferry led to military action in the county during the Civil War, including a skirmish in 1862. Following the war, natural mineral springs purported to have healing properties attracted visitors to Warm Springs and Ravenden Springs.
Protected areas
Randolph County contains one state park, Davidsonville Historic State Park, and two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Dave Donaldson/Black River WMA and Robert L. Hankins/Mud Creek Upland WMA, owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Black River WMA preserves bottomland hardwood forest habitat and wintering habitat for migratory birds. Created in 1957, Black River WMA contains over Template:Convert total and extends into Clay and Greene counties.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mud Creek Upland WMA was created in 1989 with Template:Convert of upland hardwood forest. The area is open to birding, hunting, and hiking.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Davidsonville Historic State Park is a Template:Convert history state park focused on the interpretation and archaeology of the abandoned frontier town of Davidsonville. Once a very important stop on the Black River and Southwest Trail within Arkansaw Territory, Davidsonville was abandoned by 1836 following the decline of river transport and the shifting of the Southwest Trail. The park is owned and operated by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Demographics
2020 Census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 16,553 | 89.13% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 140 | 0.75% |
| Native American | 84 | 0.45% |
| Asian | 73 | 0.39% |
| Pacific Islander | 595 | 3.2% |
| Other/Mixed | 742 | 4.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 384 | 2.07% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,571 people, 7,355 households, and 4,994 families residing in the county.
2010 Census
As of the 2010 census,<ref name="GR8" /> there were 17,969 people, 7,299 households, and 4,997 families residing in the county. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,513 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the county was 96.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,299 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.
2000 Census
As of the 2000 census,<ref name="GR8">Template:Cite web</ref> there were 18,195 people, 7,265 households, and 5,245 families residing in the county. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,268 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the county was 96.99% White, 0.97% Black or African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 0.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,265 households, out of which 30.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males.
Economy
| Rank | Employer | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peco Foods | 500 |
| 2 | Pocahontas School District | 255 |
| 3 | Walmart Stores Inc | 212 |
| 4 | Black River Technical College | 200 |
| 5 | St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center | 180 |
| 6 | Randolph County Nursing Home | 170 |
| 7 | Pocahontas Aluminum | 129 |
| 8 | Pocahontas Healthcare & Rehab | 100 |
| 9 | Above & Beyond Home Care | 79 |
| 10 | Maclean-Fogg | 46 |
Template:See also Employment by sector in Randolph County is varied, led by professional services (26.8%), government employees and government enterprises (15.8%), trade (12.8%), agriculture (11.3%), and manufacturing (9.8%).<ref>Template:Harvp.</ref> A rural county with several small manufacturers, Randolph County consistently has an unemployment rate above state and national averages. As of October 2015, the Randolph County unemployment rate was 5.9%, down significantly from a peak of 10.3% in 2011 during the height of the Great Recession.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> For comparison, the unemployment rate was 4.9% statewide<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and 5.0% in the US in October 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As of the 2000 Census, the median income for a household in the county was $27,583, and the median income for a family was $33,535. Males had a median income of $25,006 versus $18,182 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,502. About 11.90% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.80% of those under age 18 and 15.20% of those age 65 or over.
Public health
Randolph County's above-average poverty rate also indicates a high Medicaid eligibility rate. As of 2012, 38.1% of Randolph County was eligible for Medicaid, with 65.1% of children under 19 eligible for ARKids First, a program by the Arkansas Department of Human Services that combines children's Medicaid (ARKids A) and other programs for families with higher incomes (ARKids B).<ref>Template:Harvp.</ref> The county's population is significantly above healthy weight, with 71.7% of adults and 41.2% of children/adolescents ranking as overweight or obese, above the state averages of 67.1% and 39.3%, themselves significantly above national averages of 62.9% and 30.3%, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas is a community hospital offering acute inpatient care, emergency care, diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and senior care services. The facility is rated as a Level 4 Trauma Center by the Arkansas Department of Health. St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro is a referral hospital in the region, focusing on heart care, cancer treatment, women's/children's services, and senior services.
The nearest Level 1 Trauma Centers are Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, both in Memphis.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Culture and media
Culture
Randolph County has several facilities, monuments, and museums dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. Several historic log structures remain in the county from the pioneer era. The Rice-Upshaw House, an 1820s-era log cabin near Dalton, is one of the oldest structures in Arkansas. Randolph County also includes Hillyard Cabin and the Looney-French House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The county contains several historic schools and community centers, including Cedar Grove School No. 81, a historic one room schoolhouse now used as a community center, the Eddie Mae Herron Center & Museum, a refurbished black school today serving as a community center and interpretative site, Old Union School in Birdell, and Ravenden Springs School.
- Century Wall Monument, celebration of influential twentieth-century Americans
- Davidsonville Historic State Park
- Maynard Pioneer Museum, celebrates the early settlers
- Old Randolph County Courthouse, restored 1875 courthouse in Pocahontas town square today used by Randolph County Chamber of Commerce
Randolph County voters approved sales of alcoholic beverages during a November 2018 election. Prior to the change taking effect in February 2019,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Randolph County had been an alcohol prohibition or dry county for some 70 years.
Media
Newspapers
- The Pocahontas Star-Herald, published in Pocahontas since 1880, serves as the newspaper of record for the county.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Television
- KAIT serves as the ABC, NBC, and CW affiliate for Jonesboro and the region.
- KJNB-CD serves as the FOX and CBS affiliate for Jonesboro and the region.
- KTEJ serves as the Arkansas PBS affiliate for Jonesboro and the region.
- KVTJ serves as the Victory Television Network affiliate for Jonesboro and the region.
Government
The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Randolph County Quorum Court has nine members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.
Randolph County, Arkansas Elected countywide officials<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| District | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Judge | Ben Wicker | Independent | |
| County Clerk | Rhonda Blevins | Republican | |
| Circuit Clerk | Debbie Wise | Democratic | |
| Sheriff | Kevin Bell | Republican | |
| Treasurer | Dennis Calaway | Republican | |
| Assessor | Jennifer Zitzelberger | Democratic | |
| Assessor | Krissy Massey | Republican | |
| Coroner | Clyde Hackworth | Unknown | |
The composition of the Quorum Court is:
| District | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mistina Hibbard | Republican | |
| 2 | Jill Thompson Henderson | Democratic | |
| 3 | Tony Brown | Republican | |
| 4 | David Blevins | Republican | |
| 5 | Doris Sharp | Democratic | |
| 6 | Darrel Nelson | Republican | |
| 7 | Eric Bass | Republican | |
| 8 | Roy Causbie | Republican | |
| 9 | David Statler | Republican | |
Additionally, the townships of Randolph County are entitled to elect their own respective constables, as set forth by the Constitution of Arkansas. Constables are largely of historical significance as they were used to keep the peace in rural areas when travel was more difficult.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The township constables are:<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| District | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current River | Matt Blevins | Republican | |
| Dalton | Kevin Upshaw | Republican | |
| Ingram | Larry Rogers | Republican | |
| Janes Creek | Tom Dildine | Democratic | |
| Little Black | Joe Grooms | Republican | |
| Richardson | Roudy Patton | Republican | |
| Shiloh | Mark Brown | Republican | |
| Spring River | Brad Doney | Republican | |
| Ward 1 | Victor Blevins | Republican | |
| Ward 2 | Druderik Adams | Republican | |
| Ward 3 | Trason Johnson | Republican | |
| Warm Springs | Steve Bounds | Republican | |
| West Roanoke | Dale Arnold | Republican | |
Politics
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In the United States Senate, Randolph County is represented by John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both Republicans. In the House of Representatives, Randolph County is within Arkansas's 1st congressional district, represented by Republican Rick Crawford.
In the Arkansas State Senate, Randolph County is split between the 19th District and 20th District. Pocahontas and areas to the southeast are in the 20th along with Clay, Greene, Lawrence and a small portion of Craighead counties. Areas north or west of Pocahontas are in the 19th along with Izard, Sharp, Independence and a small portion of Fulton counties. The 19th is represented by Republican James Sturch since 2019, and the 20th is represented by Republican Blake Johnson. In the Arkansas House of Representatives, Randolph County is split between the 56th District, 60th District, and 61st District. The eastern part of Randolph County is in the 56th District, which also includes Clay and most of Greene counties. Portions of Randolph County generally south and west of Pocahontas are represented by the 60th District, which also includes Lawrence County, most of Izard County, and a small portion of Greene County. The remainder of Randolph County, including Pocahontas, is represented by the 61st District, along with portions of Sharp and Fulton counties. These districts are represented by Republicans Joe Jett, Frances Cavenaugh, and Marsh Davis, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite map</ref>
Judicially, the county is within the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, and Sharp counties. The 3rd Circuit contains three circuit judges, elected to six-year terms at-large.<ref>Template:Harvp.</ref>
A classic example of a Solid South county, Randolph County was reliably Democratic throughout most of its history. Except for the Catholic John F. Kennedy in 1960 (the county had voted for Catholic Al Smith in 1928, possibly due to concerns over Herbert Hoover's mismanagement of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927),<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> the county supported every Democratic presidential candidate between 1896 and 2004. Even as the South shifted heavily to the right during the late 20th century, Randolph remained reliably Democratic aside from Republican landslides. It began shifting hard to the right in the 1980s as Democrats slowly moved to the left, but it remained in the Democratic margin until the 2000s due to the liberal policies of George H. W. Bush and the successive presence of favorite sons Bill Clinton and Al Gore (a native Arkansan and a neighboring Tennessean, respectively) on the ballot. It narrowly voted once more for Democrat John Kerry in 2004, but broke for Republicans in 2008 due to the leftward shift of the national Democratic Party. Since then, Republicans have dominated the county, gaining in vote share in every election since 1992. In the 2020s, Democrats have failed to break 20% for the first time in county history, while Republicans broke 80% for the first time in history in 2024.
Taxation
Property tax is assessed by the Randolph County Assessor annually based upon the fair market value of the property and determining which tax rate, commonly called a millage in Arkansas, will apply. The rate depends upon the property's location with respect to city limits, school district, and special tax increment financing (TIF) districts. This tax is collected by the Randolph County Collector between the first business day of March of each year through October 15 without penalty. The Randolph County Treasurer disburses tax revenues to various government agencies, such as cities, county road departments, fire departments, libraries, and police departments in accordance with the budget set by the quorum court.
Sales and use taxes in Arkansas are voter approved and collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Arkansas's statewide sales and use tax has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Randolph County has an additional sales and use tax of 1.25%, which has been in effect since January 1, 1999. Within Randolph County, the City of Pocahontas has an additional 2% sales and use tax since October 1, 2013, and the Town of Maynard an additional 1.5% sales and use tax since April 1, 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Arkansas State Treasurer disburses tax revenue to counties/cities in accordance with tax rules.
Education
Education statistics
Educational attainment in Randolph County is typical for a rural Arkansas county, with a 2012 study finding 82.5% of Randolph County residents over age 25 held a high school degree or higher and 13.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The Randolph County rates are below Arkansas averages of 84.8% and 21.1%, and significantly below national averages of 86.7% and 29.8%, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Primary and secondary education
Two public school districts are based in Randolph County; the Pocahontas School District is the largest school district in Randolph County, with the Maynard School District serving the northeast corner of the county. Successful completion of the curriculum of these schools leads to graduation from Pocahontas High School or Maynard High School, respectively. Both high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, concurrent credit agreements with nearby Black River Technical College (BRTC), and are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Additionally, Pocahontas HS is accredited by AdvancED.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Residents outside the two Randolph County-based districts are within either the Mammoth Spring School District, Sloan-Hendrix School District, Greene County Tech School District, or Corning School District.<ref>Template:Cite web - Text list</ref>
Higher education
Randolph County contains one institution of higher education, Black River Technical College, a public community college in Pocahontas.
Library system
The Randolph County Library (RCL) in downtown Pocahontas is a member library of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Library System. RCL offers books, e-books, media, reference, youth, business and genealogy services.
Transportation and infrastructure
Aviation
Randolph County contains one public owned/public use general aviation airport, Pocahontas Municipal Airport (Nick Wilson Field) in Pocahontas. For the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2014, the facility saw 7,000 general aviation operations.<ref>Template:FAA-airport. Federal Aviation Administration. Accessed December 21, 2016.</ref> The nearest commercial service airport is Memphis International Airport.
Highways
Randolph County is not served by any Interstate highways; the nearest access to the Interstate system is Interstate 555 (I-555) in Jonesboro. The county does serve as a junction for several US highways, with US 62 crossing the county from east to west. This highway runs across much of northern Arkansas, giving Randolph County access to Mountain Home, Harrison, Eureka Springs, and Fayetteville to the west. US 62 intersects US 67 in Pocahontas, forming a two route overlap to the northeast toward Poplar Bluff, Missouri. US 67 runs south from Pocahontas to Walnut Ridge, where it becomes a controlled-access highway running south to Little Rock, the state capital.<ref name="ahtd">Template:Cite map</ref> (US 67 will be upgraded to Interstate 57 (I-57) in the future from the Missouri state line to Little Rock.) A short business spur of US 67 connects Biggers to the state highway system.
Eleven state highways serve the traveling public in the county, varying from short connector routes to long highways traversing the entire county. Highway 34 and Highway 90 run east–west across the county, with the latter connecting Ravenden Springs to Pocahontas. Highway 93, Highway 115, Highway 166, and Highway 251 all run north to the Missouri state line to connect with Missouri state routes. Highway 328 connects Maynard to state highways to the east and west. A second segment of Highway 166 and Highway 361 connect Davidsonville Historic State Park to nearby population centers. Highway 304 connects Pocahontas to Delaplaine, with a short alternate route, Highway 304N running around Pocahontas Municipal Airport. Two instances of Highway 231 serve as connectors between other major state highways.<ref name="ran" />
Utilities
Template:See also The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is responsible for the regulation and oversight of public water systems throughout the state. Randolph County contains six community water systems: Biggers Water Department, City of Maynard, O'Kean Water System, Pocahontas Water and Sewer, Ravenden Springs Waterworks, Reyno Water Department, as well as portions of Clay County Regional Water Distribution District (CCRWDD), Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority (NEAPWA), and Lawrence County Regional Water District. Pocahontas W&S has the largest retail population in the county (7,547), with all others under 500 accounts served. Of the water systems serving Randolph County, only Pocahontas and NEAPWA use surface water (the Black River and Spring River, respectively)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> for source water; all others use groundwater wells or purchase from neighboring utilities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Communities
Two incorporated cities and four incorporated towns are located within the county. The largest city and county seat, Pocahontas, is located in the south-central part of the county on the Black River. Pocahontas' population in 2010 was 6,608, and has been increasing since the 1960 Census. The county's small towns all have a population under 500 as of the 2010 Census, with Ravenden Springs the smallest at 118 in western Randolph County. The remaining communities are in the Delta portion of the county: Maynard north of Pocahontas, Biggers and Reyno (the other city) along US 67 near the county's eastern border, and O'Kean in the southeastern corner.<ref name="ran" />
Randolph County has dozens of unincorporated communities and ghost towns within its borders. This is due to early settlers in Arkansas tending to settle in small clusters rather than incorporated towns. For example, communities like Davidsonville had a post office and dozens of buildings at some point in their history. Other communities are simply a few dwellings at a crossroads that have adopted a common place name over time. Some are officially listed as populated places by the United States Geological Survey, and others are listed as historic settlements. Ravenden Springs
Cities
- Pocahontas (County Seat)
- Reyno
Towns
Census-designated place
Unincorporated communities
- Antioch
- Attica
- Birdell
- Brakebill
- Brockett
- Cedar Grove
- Dalton
- Dunn
- East Pocahontas
- Elevenpoint
- Elkins Park
- Elm Store
- Elnora
- Engelberg
- Fender
- Glaze Creek
- Gravesville
- Hamil
- Hoover Landing
- Ingram
- Jerrett
- Lesterville
- Lorine
- Manson
- Middlebrook
- Minorca
- Noland
- Old Reyno
- Old Siloam
- Palestine
- Pitman
- Shannon
- Sharum
- Skaggs
- Stokes
- Stoney Point
- Supply
- Washington
Historical communities
Townships
Template:Arkansas Townships About<ref> Template:Cite map</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Baker
- Bristow
- Butler
- Columbia
- Current River (Biggers)
- Dalton
- Demun (Pocahontas)
- East Roanoke
- Eleven Point
- Foster
- Ingram
- Jackson
- Janes Creek (Ravenden Springs)
- Little Black
- O'Kean (O'Kean)
- Reyno (Reyno)
- Richardson (Maynard)
- Running Lake
- Shiloh
- Siloam
- Spring River
- Union
- Warm Springs
- Water Valley
- West Roanoke
- Wiley
Notable people
- Joseph J. Alexander, Randolph County's first representative at Arkansas' first State Assembly after becoming a state. He was killed December 4, 1837, by the Speaker of the House, John Wilson, during a knife fight on the floor of the assembly chamber.
- George Nicholas 'Nick' Wilson (1942 - ), former Arkansas lawyer and political leader who served in the Arkansas Senate for almost 30 years.
See also
Notes
References
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External links
- Randolph County Chamber of Commerce
- Randolph County Tourism Association
- Randolph County Sheriff's Office