2011 Tourism and Newcomers Guide to the Arkansas River Valley
Pope County
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Find it all here, in Pope County
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ocated in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, Pope County provides a beautiful backdrop for a variety of industry, farming and recreational activities. In the early 1800s, the Osage claimed what is now Pope County as part of their hunting grounds. The area became part of a Cherokee reservation in 1817, but a new treaty moved the Cherokee into Oklahoma in 1828. In 1829, Pope County was the first Arkansas county to be formed out of the former Cherokee reservation. Now home to 61,754 residents, the county is the 13th most populous in the state. Municipalities within the county include Atkins, Dover, Hector, London, Pottsville and Russellville. Russellville, the county seat, is home to 27,920 residents. The county hosts five K-12 school districts, and Arkansas Tech University, an accredited four-year university located in the heart of Russellville, was founded in 1909 and cur-
rently offers more than 70 degree programs. In addition to strong educational programs, Pope County is also home to a diverse labor force. Several Fortune 500 companies have facilities in the county, including Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Dow Chemical, Tyson Foods and International Paper. Thousands of people are employed by a wide variety of manufacturers in the area, with products ranging from aluminum foil to aircraft components. Pope County is also home to Arkansas Nuclear One, Arkansas’ only nuclear power plant. Life in Pope County is not all work and no play, however. Residents and visitors may take time to play at one of Russellville’s 14 city parks or relax at Holla Bend Natural Wildlife Refuge or Lake Dardanelle State Park. The state park’s visitor’s center, located on the shores of Lake Dardanelle, features an aquarium, a turtle touch table and state-of-the-art
elcome to Pope County, one of the most beautiful counties in the state, with the Ozark National Forest to the north, Lake Dardanelle to the south and Mount Nebo towering magnificently in the distance. With the fertile river valley lying parallel to Interstate 40, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Arkansas River, transportation is available for area industries and businesses. Excellent school systems located within the county offer quality education for grades K through 12, and Arkansas Tech University offers an outstanding higher education program. Medical facilities are equipped to provide good care and treatment, and many churches fulfill the spiritual needs of area residents. Recreational opportunities are available year-round — including hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, walking trails, water sports, youth and adult ball leagues and golf — all of which make Pope County one of the most desirable places in the state of Arkansas to live; you are welcome to join us. — Jim Ed Gibson Pope County Judge
touchscreen information kiosks. The park also has rental bicycles and kayaks available and is a popular destination for fishermen, campers and sightseers. After a day at the lake, visitors may enjoy taking a stroll in downtown Russellville. Don’t miss the historic Shinn Building — erected in 1847, the edifice was the first store constructed in Russellville. Once per quarter, the city hosts the Downtown Art Walk, where downtown businesses stay open after-hours and host local artists and musicians. No matter the season, visitors to Pope County can always expect to find friendly faces and a warm welcome.