History

Lawrence County is known as the “Mother of Counties” because 31 of Arkansas’ present counties were carved from the original Lawrence County.

Named for Captain James Lawrence, a naval officer killed in the War of 1812, the county was the second formed by the Missouri legislature, which had jurisdiction over the region until Arkansas became a territory in 1819. When created on January 15, 1815, Lawrence County covered more than half of the present state, plus a strip across the southern part of Missouri. Davidsonville, the site of the first Arkansas post office, land office, and courthouse, was the original county seat of Lawrence County.

The seat of justice was moved three times before relocating to Powhatan in 1869. With the completion of the railroad through eastern sections of the county, Walnut Ridge also became a county seat. Lawrence County maintained dual courthouses until 1963, when it reverted to the single-district plan and Walnut Ridge became the sole county seat.

Lawrence County’s rich history has become the foundation for several local attractions including the Powhatan Historic State Park, the Clover Bend Historic Town Site, and the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School Museum .

The Lawrence County Historical Society meets monthly, produces a quarterly journal, hosts special events and is actively involved in the preservation of records in the county.

You're Invited to Become a Member of the Lawrence County Chamber

BECAUSE – You are a a citizen doing business in this county and sharing in its prosperity. The obligations of business citizenship challenge every person and institution to subscribe actively to the advancement of the community of which they are a part.
BECAUSE – You prosper as our county prospers. By helping to build a thriving community your investment is strengthened and your opportunities are broadened. You have a personal interest in these objectives.
BECAUSE – Progress and prosperity depend on the development of a sound economic and social structure. These result from vigilant aggressiveness and a continuing program of activities designed to cultivate opportunities and capitalize advantages.
BECAUSE – The support of all business and professional men and women is necessary to bring about the economic improvement of our county and the civic and business development demanded by our modern standards of living.
BECAUSE – These goals can be reached only by united effort through an organization equipped to study and conduct a sound program of community progress.
BECAUSE – The Chamber of Commerce is the only organization consistently and exclusively engaged promoting the civic and economic development of YOUR community in Lawrence County. The Chamber is the only organization whose sole business is the business of business.
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