|
Perry County
U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts
Perry County was created in December 1840 from
the part of Conway County south of the Arkansas River. The
county was named for Oliver Perry, a hero in the War of 1812,
who said, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours."
About half of Perry County is in the Ouachita
National Forest, and one of the county's principal industries is
timber. One of the newest plants is Southern Chips, in the
county's northeastern enterprise zone, which produces wood chips
for Arkansas Kraft.
Cattle, hog and poultry production plus rice
and soybeans make up the county's major agricultural activity.
Other industry is located in the county, but many residents
commute to surrounding counties for employment. Rural water
systems under development by the county may improve the economic
picture.
Because some much of the county is national
forest, the county attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. Harris
Brake Wildlife Management Area is the smallest in the system,
but it is crowded during duck hunting season.
Lake Nimrod, built on the Fourche LaFave River
for flood control and recreation, is known for water skiing,
hunting and fishing. Situated between the Ouachita and Ozark
Mountains, the lake is lined with pine and hardwood and offers
boating, swimming, picnicking and camping. Harris Brake Lake is
popular with anglers, and the Fourche LaFave River has large
catfish. The eastern boundary of the county follows the Arkansas
River for several miles.
The Perry County Courthouse, an 1888
structure, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Natural Heritage Area called the Perry
Mountain Roadcut exposes varieties of sandstone, siltstone and
shale of the Atoka Formation as well as some quartz.
The Heifer Project International Learning and
Livestock Center located is a privately financed, nonprofit
endeavor located on 1,200 acres in the county. For nearly 55
years, it has provided livestock and training to low income
farmers in developing countries. In turn, the farmers pass on
their newly acquired skills and the livestock's offspring to
other needy families.
-- courtesy the
Association of Arkansas Counties |
