History of Batesville

     The territory now known as Batesville, the second oldest city in the state, was ceded to the U.S. in 1808 by the Osage Indians and has existed under two names - originally being called Poke Creek, then Batesville.
     Poke Creek was renamed Batesville in 1824 in honor of Judge James Woodson Bates. Judge Bates, originally from Virginia, came to Poke Creek in 1819 and was one of the most prominent citizens of the community for 15 years. He had the distinction of having his brother, the Honorable Edward Bates of St. Louis, serve as Attorney General under President Abraham Lincoln.
     The town of Batesville was partially laid out when land was granted to Mark Bean by Thomas Curran, Richard Searcy, and Joseph Hardin on May 23, 1821. The grantors recorded a bill of assurance on March 3, 1922 and a plat of the town was laid out extending from block number one at the foot of Main Street to Spring Street (now known as Central) to the bridge across Polk Bayou.
     During its early existence the principal trade of Batesville was supplying settlers with groceries and provisions which were paid for by hides and furs from numerous wild animals in the area. Batesville's economy today is well diversified with industry, agriculture and tourism. Just as the early settlers relied on the beautiful White River for navigation, food and drinking purposes, Batesville still relies on the river and credits it as their most important natural resource.
     The first post office was established here in 1822 with Nathan Cook as Postmaster.
     In 1822 Aaron Lyon came to Batesville and was engaged in the teaching field until he entered the mercantile business in 1842. Mr. Lyon was one of the trustees of the Batesville Academy, the first Academy in the state to be incorporated by a bill approved by Governor Conway on September 26, 1836.
     Batesville, a city of over 9,000 residents, contributes its growth to its location and natural resources such as water, climate, minerals and timber.

Independence County History

     Independence County was created on October 20, 1820 from part of Lawrence County. Originally, it included all of Jackson, Izard, Sharp and Stone counties and was named for the Declaration of Independence.
     With approximately 32,000 residents, the county contains 722 square miles. It is located in the north central part of the state and has elevations ranging from below 250 feet to nearly 1,800 feet. Total land area is 483,200 acres, 308,700 of it is in farms. The principal crops are soybeans, rice, alfalfa, lespedesa, all grains, sorghum, fruit and vegetables. The livestock enterprises are poultry, beef cattle, hogs and dairying. Cotton has been a principal crop in years past. At the present time the country's economic climate is divided between industry, agriculture and tourism.
     Its principal cities are Batesville, with a population of over 9,000, Newark 1,159, Cushman 428, Oil Trough 208 and Pleasant Plains 256.
     Seven school districts provide public education to Independence County and range from kindergarten through college.

Old Independence Regional Museum

     Old Independence offers visitors a walk through north central Arkansas, a distinctive area where the hill country of the Ozarks meets the Delta. Located on the edge of the historic district in Batesville, the museum occupies the former National Guard Armory at the corner of Ninth and Vine Streets. The museum serves a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White and Woodruff counties. Parts of all these counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820s Territorial Arkansas.  Museum displays illustrate the ways the area was populated and developed. An interactive map showing Indian trails, early roads, railroad lines and subsequent highways greets visitors at the entrance of the building. The Cleo Southerland Theater houses an orientation video and an exhibit about Company L, the Guard unit that originally occupied the building. The theater also houses 4-6 changing exhibits and about 2 dozen public programs each year.
     Additional displays present the culture of Osage, Quapaw, Choctaw and Caddo peoples who occupied the Ozarks in fur trade and early settlement days. An interactive room recreates an 1825 Shawnee trading village.
     The J.K. Southerland Gallery offers a historical journey featuring early territorial inhabitants such as the writer and lawyer C.F. Noland, a member of the Arkansas Legislature who carried the 1836 state constitution to Washington D.C. This Gallery also explores Civil War and Reconstruction periods. In addition to displays about wartime skirmishes and Federal and Confederate occupying forces, the Gallery features an interactive kiosk depicting real-life dilemmas of local people in the 1870s. Should a Confederate sign a loyalty oath? Should a black family remain in the region? Should the widow of a Union officer flee to Northern territory? The decisions each person actually made are revealed to visitors.
     An archival wing named for Charlotte Grace and Raye Rogers houses a research collection that includes letters, manuscripts, photographs and public records from 1820s forward. Researchers also enjoy access to extensive genealogical information and Internet resources.
     The Coleman-Kennedy gift shop offers a selection of locally crafted items and books about the region.
     Visitors are welcome Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens and 75¢ for children under the age of six. Tour groups are welcome. Call 870-793-2121 for additional information.