History1800 - 1850
During the 1820s and 1830s, settlers began arriving in Newton County, with the first documented homes established around 1825. This migration coincided with the division of the Cherokee Nation through treaties in 1808 and 1818. The Western Cherokee sought to avoid white settlers and maintain their traditions. By 1838, most of the Choctaw, the area's last legal landowners, had assimilated into white settlements, marking the end of their presence in Newton County.
The 1840s saw the establishment of Jasper as a town, with John M. Ross, a Choctaw, serving as the first postmaster and county clerk. In 1842, Newton County was officially created by legislation signed by Governor Archibald Yell. Jasper became the county seat in 1843, solidifying its role as the administrative center of the region.
History1850 - 1900
By the 1850s, Newton County was growing rapidly, with its population reaching 1,711 by 1850. Land prices were affordable, at $50 for 40 acres, encouraging further settlement. By 1856, the county had established ten post offices, reflecting the growth of new towns across its 846 square miles.
The Civil War in the 1860s brought turmoil and violence to Newton County, including bushwhacking and intense feuding. Chief Longhair, a mixed-heritage gang leader, became infamous for acts of violence against Northern sympathizers before being executed by vigilantes. The war also ushered in the era of outlaws, with figures like Jesse and Frank James using the area as a hideout.
Despite the end of the Civil War, outlaw activity persisted in the 1870s. The James-Younger gang operated across the region, and Frank James reportedly settled incognito in Newton County after his brother Jesse's death. His presence, while quiet, became part of local lore.
History1900 - 1950
During World War I in the 1910s, Newton County became a haven for a group of 36 men known as "Slackers," who resisted the draft and hid in the rugged Cecil Cove for two years. They eventually negotiated an agreement to avoid prosecution and surrendered peacefully.
The 1920s and 1930s were marked by the exploits of infamous bank robbers and gangsters. While Bonnie and Clyde were not documented in Newton County, they reportedly passed through northwest Arkansas several times. Henry Starr, Belle Starr’s nephew, gained notoriety when he was fatally wounded during a failed bank robbery in Harrison in 1921. Newton County’s history during this time reflects the broader challenges of lawlessness and resistance to authority in the Ozarks.
Relocation
Considering a move to Newton County? Enjoy the natural beauty, friendly communities, and rich cultural heritage that make it a wonderful place to call home.
Learn More
Choose Area
Explore the unique charm of each area in Newton County. Select an area below to discover local attractions, history, and community highlights.
-
Deer
Named after a beloved pet deer, Deer, Arkansas, offers a glimpse into the past and a warm welcome to the present. This historic community in Newton County, Arkansas, was established in 1898. Known for its strong sense of community and dedication to education, Deer High School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. It even hosted a G.I. Bill training program in the 1950s.
Explore the town's roots and the stories of early settlers like the Adams, Jones, and Taylor families. Enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area, perfect for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Don't miss the stunning Alum Cove, a natural wonder that offers breathtaking views and unique hiking experiences.
Experience the warm hospitality of the friendly residents of Deer. Visit Deer, Arkansas and discover the charm of small-town America.
-
Jasper
No one really knows where Jasper got its name. Some have suggested that it comes from the green color of the waters of the Little Buffalo River, but Frank Villines told a colorful story that has become a favorite explanation.
It seems that the early settlers of the area had been well-treated by the Cherokees who were in the area when they arrived. When the settlers heard about the hardships of the Trail of Tears, they resolved to return the kindness they had been shown. They went out to meet the Indians, many of whom were cold, hungry, and sick. The settlers shared their food, shelter, and medicines, opening their homes so the Cherokees could stop, hunt, gather herbs, and recuperate. As the visitors were preparing to move on, the local residents—who had been unable to agree on a name for their new village—invited the Cherokee to help them decide.
Chief John Ross, according to the story told by "Uncle" Frank, went up into the hills and prayed for many hours about the question. When he returned, he said the name should be Jasper. "Jasper," the chief said, "is a hard and strong stone, lighted from inside by love. It is like the men of this ridge—strong men, good men, lighted from within by love."
What’s In Jasper
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Community Matters
A network of organizations and individuals who come together to share and gather information about available resources. Our goal is to positively impact Newton County through coordination of relief and support efforts and stewardship of resources.
Learn More -
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Learn More -
-
-
-
Dogwood Springs Resort
Learn More -
-
-
Vixen James-United Country Property Connections
A native of Jasper, Arkansas, Lieutenant Colonel Vixen D. James joins the team of United Country following a very rewarding military career. Newton County is home for James having grown up in the Ozarks along the Buffalo National River and within the Ozark National Forest. He is a graduate of Jasper High School (1984) as well as the University of Arkansas (1991) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. In addition, he earned a Master’s Degree in Information Management from Webster University in 2005. James has served in a number of roles during his military career including leadership positions at the Battery, Battalion, Brigade and Division Levels. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and most recently served as the Training Site Manager for Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith Arkansas prior to his military retirement in 2015. James, who lives in Harrison with his wife Sheila and two children Teagan and Addie, explores his passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors in his free time. “I think my knowledge of the area will really benefit my ability to share the awesome beauty and great recreational opportunities of the Ozarks with all clients. I also feel like my military experience will help me to be able to relate to people while helping them with the purchase or sale of their home or land.”
Learn More -
Scenic Point Gift Shop
Learn More -
-
Driving Tours
Learn More -
Newton County Farm Bureau
Learn More -
Little Switzerland
Learn More -
Buffalo River Farmhouse
Learn More -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Newton County Library
The Newton County Library, housed in a structure of cypress and native stone, is on the south side of Jasper on Scenic 7 Byway.
Learn More -
-
-
Newton County Pastors
Group of Newton County Pastors that meet monthly for fellowship and breakfast. They also partner with other outreach organizations.
Learn More -
-
Ozark Luxury Cabins
We are a small, family owned and operated business providing luxury cabin rentals in Newton County
Learn More -
-
-
-
-
First National Title Company
Learn More -
-
-
Bob's Auto Body
Learn More -
-
-
-
Ozark Cafe
Learn More -
-
-
-
Morwood House
Learn More -
-
Newton County Special Service Corp. , Inc
Helping Children, Clients, and their families live more independent, successful and fulfilling lives.
Learn More -
-
-
-
-
Powell Feed and Milling
Learn More -
-
Boyce Insurance Services
Boyce Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency specializing in Medicare & Retirement Solutions. We work with highly rated, major insurance companies so we can offer our clients coverage appropriate for them. Our clients are located all across Arkansas, giving us a great feel for the insurance landscape. We design plans with a focus on low costs and proper benefit structure, which we combine with personalized insurance advice to help our clients make better-informed decisions.
Learn More -
-
Yeager's Self-Storage
Learn More -
-
Mt Judea
Many local communities got their names from the Bible or names associated with lands of the Bible. For instance, Mt. Judea, Ben Hur, Shiloh, and Parthenon all have connections to ancient times and locations. The first white settlers of Mt. Judea were Ephraim Greenhaw and John Nichols, and Greenhaw reportedly chose the name from the Bible.
Some local communities began their history with names that were somewhat unflattering. Fallsville was known in earlier days as Loafer’s Glory because it was a stopping-off point for men and boys on their way down from the mountains to pick cotton along the Arkansas River bottoms to earn some cash. Salus, too, seemed to have an image problem with its first name, Devil's Knob.
Hasty Ridge, later shortened to Hasty, got its name due to a sudden flood of settlers who arrived after the opening of a grist mill—families who moved in and built hastily. Of course, some places took their names from geographical features. The reasons for the names Marble Falls, Falling Water, and Red Rock are easily found in the surrounding terrain.
-
Ponca
Addison Villines, an early settler of western Newton County, once owned all the land where Ponca stands. He sold it to O.P. Wymer, who then sold it to the Ponca City, Oklahoma Mining Company. They subdivided the land and plotted city lots. Within a few years, the narrow valley was dotted with homes and miners' cabins.
Several stores, a smithy, a sawmill, a gristmill, and a three-story hotel opened for business. The post office was established in 1903, and for nearly 50 years, the town—named after the mining company that caused it to boom—produced tons of lead ore. Sometimes there is a musical sound to the names or a touch of whimsy, and that is nowhere more apparent than in the names of long-closed rural schools in the county, such as Flat Rock, Lone Beach, Lick Creek, Macedonia, Hurricane, Elk Horn, Ben's Branch, and Valley View.
What's in a name? Many, many things—but always a sound treasured by those who call the place home.
What’s In Ponca
-
Driving Tours
Learn More -
-
-
-
Upper Buffalo River Merchants Association
Learn More -
Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging
Rent cabins, yurts, canoes, kayaks and rafts on the buffalo National River. Historic General Store/Gas station.
Learn More -
-
