Decatur, Arkansas is a small town located in Benton County in the northwest corner of the state. It is situated on the banks of the White River and lies only twenty miles from the Oklahoma border. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green pastures that are home to many species of wildlife.
The climate in Decatur is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures during the summer months can reach into the 90s while winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Rainfall averages around 40 inches per year with most precipitation occurring during spring and early summer months.
The terrain surrounding Decatur is mostly flat with some areas featuring rocky outcroppings or small hills. The soil in this region is mostly loam or clay-based, making it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, soybeans, and corn. The area has several lakes and rivers which provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities.
Decatur has a population of around 4,000 people spread across three different zip codes. It is served by two major highways – US Highway 412 and Arkansas State Highway 59 – making it easily accessible from nearby cities such as Fayetteville and Springdale as well as Tulsa and Oklahoma City to the south.
Decatur has a unique geography that combines rolling hills, lush green pastures, clear rivers and lakes all within easy reach of major cities in Arkansas and Oklahoma. With its mild climate, abundance of wildlife, rich soil for farming purposes, easy access to highways, and close proximity to larger cities Decatur makes an ideal place to call home for those looking for a small-town atmosphere with big city amenities nearby.
History of Decatur, Arkansas
Decatur, Arkansas is a small town located in Benton County in the northwest corner of the state. It was first settled in 1829 by John and Sarah Decatur, who were among the first pioneers to make their way westward. The town was originally known as Decaturville due to its location on the White River, but later changed its name to simply Decatur.
In 1839, a post office was established in Decatur and it became an official stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail route. This allowed for increased communication between settlers and other towns across the country as well as access to goods and services unavailable locally.
The town experienced significant growth during Reconstruction after the Civil War when many former slaves moved into the area looking for work and opportunity. This influx of people also brought with it an increase in educational opportunities, with several schools being established at that time including one of Arkansas’ first African American High Schools.
In 1895, Decatur was officially incorporated as a city and has since grown into a thriving community with a population of around 4,000 people spread across three different zip codes. It is served by two major highways – US Highway 412 and Arkansas State Highway 59 – making it easily accessible from nearby cities such as Fayetteville and Springdale as well as Tulsa and Oklahoma City to the south.
Today, Decatur is known for its friendly atmosphere, small-town charm, ample recreational activities such as fishing and boating on nearby lakes and rivers, access to major cities such as Fayetteville or Tulsa within an hour’s drive or less, plus much more. It stands out among other towns in Northwest Arkansas for its unique history and strong sense of community that continues to this day.
Economy of Decatur, Arkansas
According to Allcountrylist, Decatur, Arkansas is a small town with a population of around 4,000 people located in Benton County in the northwest corner of the state. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture and light industry, including several small businesses and manufacturing facilities.
Agriculture has been a major part of the local economy since Decatur’s founding in 1829. The town’s location along the White River made it an ideal spot for settlers to raise crops such as corn and cotton, as well as livestock like cows and horses. Today, many local farmers still grow these same crops, while others specialize in other commodities such as soybeans, wheat, hay, pecans, and Christmas trees.
Light industry has also been an important part of Decatur’s economy since its incorporation in 1895. Several manufacturing facilities are located within the city limits or nearby towns such as Springdale or Fayetteville that produce products ranging from automotive parts to pharmaceutical packaging and printing supplies. Additionally, there are many small businesses that provide services to both locals and visitors alike such as restaurants, auto repair shops, grocery stores, and other retail outlets.
There are also several large employers in the area that contribute significantly to Decatur’s economy including Tyson Foods Inc., Walmart Stores Inc., JB Hunt Transport Services Inc., and Cummins Engine Company Ltd.. These companies provide thousands of jobs to local residents while also bringing millions of dollars in revenue into the area each year through their operations. Additionally, they often sponsor community events or provide scholarships for students pursuing higher education opportunities.
Decatur has a strong economy that is supported by both agriculture and light industry. This allows for job security for current residents while providing new opportunities for those looking to move into the area due to its close proximity to larger cities like Fayetteville or Tulsa within an hour’s drive or less.
Politics in Decatur, Arkansas
Decatur, Arkansas is a small town located in the northwest corner of the state. Politically, Decatur is a part of Benton County and is represented by Republican Senator Jim Hendren in the Arkansas Senate and Republican Representative Grant Hodges in the State House of Representatives. In addition to these state representatives, Decatur is also served by Benton County Judge Barry Moehring and Sheriff Shawn Holloway.
The Republican Party has held a majority in Decatur since the early 2000s and has maintained their control through several elections. This is largely due to the fact that Decatur has an older population with many residents having lived in the area for generations, resulting in more conservative voting habits. Additionally, many people who live here are farmers or small business owners who tend to be more fiscally conservative when it comes to politics.
In recent years, there has been an increase in civic engagement among younger generations as they become more politically aware and active. This includes events such as town hall meetings and protests where citizens can come together to voice their opinions on various topics ranging from healthcare reform to gun control. There have also been efforts to increase voter turnout which have resulted in higher numbers of registered voters in recent elections.
In terms of local government, Decatur operates under a mayor-council form of government with current Mayor Jerry Howerton serving his second term after being re-elected in 2018. The city council consists of seven members who are elected at-large and serve staggered four-year terms. They oversee all aspects of municipal governance from budgeting and planning to public safety initiatives as well as managing public works projects such as road repairs or construction projects within city limits.
Decatur’s politics reflect those of its parent county – Benton – which tends to be largely conservative with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention into citizens’ lives while still providing necessary services for its residents. While there may be some disagreement between parties on certain issues, most people here understand that it is important for everyone to work together for the greater good of the community regardless of political differences.
