About Jackson County

County

County Office

Jackson County was formed on November 5, 1829, from part of Independence County. It was named for Andrew Jackson, then the first-term president of the United States. Newport is the county seat.

Office Details

8 sections

County Seat History

The County Seat has been changed five times: Litchfield (1831), Elizabeth (1839), Augusta (1852), Jacksonport (1854), and Newport (1892).

Landscape & Economy

The landscape of Jackson County is rich delta farmland in the north, central, and south and rolling hills in the extreme western part. The economy is agricultural — chiefly rice, soybeans, corn, beef cattle, and catfish. Other active industries include aluminum, manufactured goods, and food processing.

Outdoor Recreation

The White River, running across the southwestern part of the county, is one of the premier rivers for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish in the South. The Black River forms the western boundary and offers good catfishing. The Wildlife Management Area, with acres of bottomland shared by four other counties, offers hunting that is popular in this area.

Arts & Culture

In June each year the Delta Arts Festival is held and has been recognized as one of the top 100 festivals in the nation.

Famous Residents & Visitors

Former President of the United States the late, Jimmy Carter and actor and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger have visited for duck hunting. Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe was born here, along with Baseball Hall of Famer George Kell, actress Mary Steenburgen, basketball great Jim "Bad News" Barnes, and former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges Jr.

Rock-n-Roll Highway 67

Highway 67 has been designated "The Rock-n-Roll Highway" by the Arkansas State Legislature. Musical greats Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Sonny Burgess, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, and Billy Lee Riley played in clubs along that stretch. Newly designated Interstate 57 enhances regional connectivity and development opportunities for Jackson County.

Education & Parks

We have two 18-hole golf courses and numerous parks including Jacksonport State Park and George Kell Park, which features six lighted ball fields and tennis courts for the public. ASU-Newport is one of the best two-year colleges in the state. Jackson County has two great school districts in Newport and Tuckerman, both of which have expanded.

A Message from Jackson County

Jackson County is Moving Forward to a Bright Future, and we invite everyone to share the experience with us. On behalf of Jackson County, we want to welcome you and pray you leave here encouraged, your hearts warm, and a desire to return again.