Ashley County, Arkansas is located in the southeastern corner of the state and covers an area of about 807 square miles. The landscape is predominantly flat with rolling hills and small valleys and is drained by the Ouachita River which flows through the county from north to south.
The climate in Ashley County is humid subtropical with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 36°F in January to 92°F in July. The area receives around 45 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the summer months.
The natural vegetation of Ashley County is mainly deciduous forest consisting primarily of oak, hickory, pine, elm and sweet gum trees as well as various grasses and shrubs. Wildlife species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, rabbits, squirrels and a variety of birds can be found throughout the county.
The terrain of Ashley County has been shaped by both geologic forces such as erosion from water sources such as the Ouachita River as well as human forces such as farming activities over time. This has resulted in a landscape that contains small streams, ponds, wetlands and agricultural fields that are interspersed with forests throughout most areas of the county.
Overall Ashley County has a diverse geography that provides its residents with abundant natural resources for recreation activities such as hunting or fishing while also providing economic benefits from its rich soils for agricultural production in certain areas.
Country seat and other main cities of Ashley County, Arkansas
The county seat of Ashley County, Arkansas is Hamburg, located in the center of the county. Hamburg is a small town with a population of approximately 1,200 people and is the commercial center for the region. It has a variety of businesses ranging from local stores to banks and restaurants as well as a post office and other amenities such as a library and community center.
According to Countryaah, the other main cities in Ashley County are Crossett, Montrose, Fountain Hill and Wilmot. Crossett is located near the western border of the county with a population of around 5,500 people. It is home to many manufacturing companies that produce products such as paper and wood products as well as furniture. Montrose is located further east with a population of about 1,000 people. It has several small businesses such as hardware stores and restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike.
Fountain Hill is located in the southern part of Ashley County with a population of around 500 people. This small town offers visitors quiet country living amongst rolling hills and forests while also providing access to local stores for basic supplies. Wilmot is an even smaller town with only about 200 residents located near the eastern border of Ashley County.
Overall Ashley County has an abundance of small towns that provide its residents with access to goods and services while also offering visitors an opportunity to experience rural life in Arkansas.
History of Ashley County, Arkansas
Ashley County, Arkansas was first established in 1848 and is located in the southeastern corner of the state. It is bordered by Drew County to the north, Chicot County to the east, Desha County to the south and Union County to the west. The county was named after Chester Ashley, a prominent lawyer and politician from Arkansas who served as a United States Senator from 1844-1848.
The first settlers in Ashley County arrived around 1820 and were mostly farmers who grew cotton, corn and other crops. By 1870, Ashley County had a population of 8,597 people with 93% of them being African American slaves working on plantations throughout the county. After emancipation in 1865, many of these freed slaves stayed in Ashley County and began to farm their own land.
In 1880-1890s timber became an important resource for the county with numerous lumber mills operating throughout Ashley County at this time. The lumber industry continued to be important for several decades until it began to decline in the 1950s due to mechanization of logging operations as well as overcutting of timber resources.
Today Ashley County still has an economy based largely on agriculture with its main crops being cotton, soybeans and rice as well as some timber production still occurring in certain areas. The county also has numerous smaller businesses such as stores, restaurants and other services that provide goods and services for locals as well as visitors passing through.
Economy of Ashley County, Arkansas
Ashley County, Arkansas is located in the southeastern corner of the state and has a population of 21,853 according to the 2010 census. The county has an economy based largely on agriculture with its main crops being cotton, soybeans and rice. The agricultural sector provides jobs for many people in Ashley County and is one of the largest contributors to its economy.
The timber industry also plays a role in Ashley County’s economy with numerous timber mills operating throughout the county producing lumber used in construction and other industries. This industry has been declining since the 1950s due to mechanization of logging operations as well as overcutting of timber resources but still provides some economic benefit to the county.
In addition to agriculture and timber production, Ashley County also has numerous smaller businesses such as stores, restaurants and other services that provide goods and services for locals as well as visitors passing through. These businesses help contribute to local economic activity by providing jobs for people living in Ashley County as well as generating tax revenues for local government services.
Tourism is another major contributor to Ashley County’s economy with visitors coming from around Arkansas and beyond drawn by its rural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and camping. There are several state parks located throughout Ashley County that offer visitors access to these activities while also providing a boost to local businesses due to increased spending on lodging, food and other supplies during their stay.
Overall Ashley County has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, timber production, small businesses and tourism which provide employment opportunities for its residents while also generating tax revenues that can be used by local government services such as education, health care or public safety.
