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Prairie County, Arkansas

80 topographic sheets cover 55 settlements here, and 15 properties are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Research this county

From the record

15 National Register listings published here.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Arkansas within the United States
Prairie County within Arkansas

What the record shows

  • 827 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 15 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 12 buildings, 1 structure, 1 site and 1 district.
  • 2 of the 15 listings were added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 55 populated places in this county; 55 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Places on the National Register

15

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
American Legion Hut-Des Arcbuilding199595000692
Bethel Housebuilding198282000872
Bedford Brown Bethell Housebuilding197878000619
Castleberry Hotelbuilding200707000960
De Valls Bluff Waterworksstructure200707000969
Des Arc High School Home Economics Buildingbuilding2021100006928
First Presbyterian Churchbuilding199090000897
Frith-Plunkett Housebuilding198282002127
Kocourek and Son Hardwarebuilding201515000257
Oak Grove Cemeterysite200101000507
Prairie County Courthousebuilding197777000266
Prairie County Courthousebuilding199595000457
Rock Island Depotbuilding198787002285
St. Elizabeth's Catholic Churchbuilding200909000744
Wingmeaddistrict201111000302

Wildfire, 1992 to 2020

45 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 45 of them, burning about 1,040 acres. None started naturally and 7 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Debris and open burning26
Missing data/not specified/undetermined8
Arson/incendiarism7
Equipment and vehicle use2
Railroad operations and maintenance1
Smoking1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. None of them was recorded as arson.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
14 October 2017Missing data/not specified/undetermined238 acresArkansas Forestry Commissionnot named
14 February 2015Debris and open burning117 acresArkansas Forestry Commissionnot named
30 September 2000Debris and open burning98 acresArkansas Forestry Commissionnot named
21 February 2014Debris and open burning85 acresArkansas Forestry CommissionPRA1196619
5 October 2000Debris and open burning60 acresArkansas Forestry Commissionnot named
20 November 2014Equipment and vehicle use59 acresArkansas Forestry CommissionPRA419837
25 December 2014Debris and open burning41 acresArkansas Forestry CommissionPRA4378831
29 June 1992Debris and open burning40 acresCentral Arkansas Refuges ComplexGEORGE 1

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1950 to 2026

60 of 402 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 402 reports for this county, causing 7 deaths, 42 injuries and about $68,824,100 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Thunderstorm Wind166
Hail92
Flood58
Tornado36
Flash Flood35
Funnel Cloud7
Heavy Rain5
Lightning3

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
March 1952Tornado (F2)not stated5 killed, 15 hurt, $250,000no account filed
March 1952Tornadonot stated1 killed, 5 hurt, $2,500no account filed
May 2011FloodHickory Plains1 killed, $15,000,000Part of U.S. Highway 70 was closed by flooding, as were parts of Arkansas Highways 11, 33, and 38. Part of the asphalt pavement on U.S. Highway 70 was scoured away by the water between DeValls Bluff and Biscoe. The force of the water left holes two feet deep on Arkansas Highway 38 in the northern part of the county. Dozens of houses flooded in the Des Arc area and evacuations were necessary in DeValls Bluff. Altogether, more than 270 homes in the county suffered flood damage. On the 4th, a 53 year-old man was found drowned near his home in the North Side community near Des Arc. On the 4th, westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Biscoe were closed when the White River overflowed onto the freeway. Motorists traveling from Memphis to Little Rock had to exit the interstate at Brinkley, take U.S. Highway 49 north to Fair Oaks, then U.S. Highway 64 to Bald Knob, then U.S. Highway 67/167 to Little Rock. This detour was about 120 miles long. On the 5th, the flood waters overtook the eastbound lanes of the interstate, making it the first time that the interstate had ever been closed by flooding on the White River. Motorists exited the interstate at Hazen and took U.S. Highway 63 to Stuttgart, then U.S. Highway 165 to DeWitt, then Arkansas Highway 1 back to the interstate at Forrest City. The eastbound detour lasted only one day before the White River flooded Arkansas Highway 1 at the Arkansas/Monroe County line and a new detour had to be established. The new detour took cars from Interstate 40 south on U.S. Highway 63 to Stuttgart, east on U.S. Highway 79 to U.S. Highway 49, and then north on 49 back to the interstate. Because the bridge over the White River is old and narrow with very narrow shoulders, trucks were unable to use this route and had to take a much longer detour. Trucks went south to Dumas via U.S. Highways 63, 79, and 65 or via U.S. Highways 63 and 165. From Dumas, the trucks followed U.S. Highway 65 south all the way to Lake Village, crossed the Mississippi River on U.S. Highway 82 through Greenville, Mississippi, and then turned north on U.S. Highway 61 to Memphis. Altogether, the truck detour added about 300 miles onto the trip from Little Rock to Memphis. Water on I-40 eventually rose to the top of the concrete wall in the median. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 reopened on the 9th, followed by the westbound lanes on the 11th. Flooding in Prairie County continued into June.
March 1950Tornado (F3)not stated20 hurt, $250,000no account filed
March 1996Thunderstorm WindDes Arc1 hurtno account filed
March 1986Thunderstorm Windnot stated1 hurtno account filed
November 1988Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000,000no account filed
October 2004Tornado (F2)Fairmont$12,200,000The F2 tornado moved from Lonoke County into Prairie County about 6.1 miles west-southwest of the Fairmount Community. The tornado gained intensity as it tracked to the east-northeast and then to the east as it approached the Stuttgart Airport. The tornado continued to track to the east before lifting east-northeast of the town of Ulm. The maximum damage was observed at the airport where numerous planes were damaged or destroyed. Damage at the airport was estimated at just over 12 million dollars. Also, most of the hangers and other buildings on the airport property sustained damage. Elsewhere along the path of the tornado, many power poles were snapped off or blown down. Metal irrigation pipe was carried for a mile and deposited in the field. Numerous outbuildings and farm shops were destroyed or damaged. A combine was destroyed and another was badly damaged. A farm tractor was destroyed as well. In the town of Ulm, a number of trees had large limbs broken and there was minor damage to house roofs. Underpinning was also blown out from under several mobile homes. The tornado weakened considerably before reaching Ulm.
March 2008FloodEnarc$10,000,000Heavy rain caused the White River at Des Arc to go above major flood level. This was the highest the river had been since April, 1973. The river was at minor flood level at the beginning of the month and continued to rise throughout most of the month due to the heavy rains. Substantial portions of the towns of Des Arc and DeValls Bluff were flooded, as were portions of U.S. Highway 70 near DeValls Bluff. Arkansas Highways 11, 38, and 33 were flooded in and near Des Arc. Riverfront Park on the east bank of the White River flooded. Some 80 homes, campers and cabins were flooded along Bayou Des Arc and at Spring Lake east of Des Arc. There were also about 20 to 30 homes flooded in and near DeValls Bluff. Low areas in the Spring Lake and Horn Lake areas on to the east, and Leisure Acres north of Des Arc were underwater. Many residences on Webb Road were flooded. First Street in Des Arc was flooded. Agricultural losses to winter wheat were also noted. The flooding continued into April.
July 2008Heavy RainBiscoe$1,200,000Heavy rain contributed to a fiery pile-up on Interstate 40 near mile marker 203. When the heavy rain began, one vehicle tried to pull onto the shoulder. That vehicle was rear-ended, and in the ensuing chain-reaction, six tractor-trailers and three cars were destroyed. A large fire ensued. Ten fire engines and rescue trucks responded with a total of 28 firefighters. Eight people were injured in the crash, two of them critically. The westbound lanes of the interstate were blocked for more than 4 1/2 hours.
December 2009FloodHickory Plains$1,000,000Flash flooding, which developed early on the morning of the 24th, became widespread areal flooding later in the morning on the 24th and continued into Christmas morning. Numerous county roads and state highways were flooded. Approximately 25 homes were damaged.
May 2011Flash FloodHickory Plains$325,000Numerous county roads were flooded. Arkansas Highway 38 between Johnson Chapel and Hickory Plains was heavily flooded and closed. Parts of Arkansas Highway 11 were also closed.
May 2012LightningHickory Plains$300,000Lightning struck a church, resulting in a fire. The church was destroyed.
December 2009Flash FloodHickory Plains$250,000Widespread heavy rain led to the development of flash flooding early on the morning of the 24th.
April 2008FloodJasmine$250,000Major flooding continued in April from the initial heavy rain event in the middle of March. Additional heavy rainfall in April both prolonged the event and raised crests to just over the levels attained in March. The river fell out about three feet in between crests of 33.74 feet on March 26th and 33.78 feet on April 17th. Both crests were the highest the White River at Des Arc had been since April, 1973. Damages were primarily to whatever recovery efforts had been made since the March flooding. Arkansas Highways 11, 33, and 38 were closed again by high water. The White River at Des Arc remained above flood stage into May.
March 1989Tornado (F1)not stated$250,000no account filed
April 1985Tornado (F2)not stated$250,000no account filed
April 1982Tornado (F2)not stated$250,000no account filed
April 1978Tornado (F2)not stated$250,000no account filed
March 2008Flash FloodStuttgart Muni Arpt$100,000Some of the dirt roads were closed due to flooding. Arkansas Highway 323 was under water south of Des Arc. Flooding occurred on 8th Street in Des Arc.
June 2008Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$100,000Trees were down. One tree was on a house. Signs were knocked down near the baseball field and transformers were knocked out.
September 2012Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$75,000Many large trees were blown down, as were power lines. Minor damage occurred to one house and mobile home due to falling trees, while another house had more extensive damage.
August 2009Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$75,000The roof of the high school was damaged. Part of the roof and the smokestack on a riverboat restaurant were blown off. A large tree and some power lines were blown down. Downtown Des Arc was without power for most of the day.
October 2009Flash FloodHickory Plains$70,000Flash flooding caused damage to a number of county roads. The intersection of Arkansas Highways 249 and 302 flooded.
June 2014Flash FloodHickory Plains$60,000Little Dixie measured 10.32 inches of rain and Des Arc collected 4.75 inches. Part of Arkansas 11 north of Des Arc flooded, along with numerous county roads. Farm fields were flooded, as well. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service reported that 5,000 acres of soybeans and rice were flooded in the county.
October 2007Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$60,000A large metal shop building was destroyed. Flying debris from the building struck the adjacent house, sending a board through a wall and knocking out windows.
May 2022Thunderstorm WindHazen$50,000Social media showed a picture of a tree that was blown onto an Airstream trailer, significantly damaging the trailer. No injuries were reported. Time is based on radar data.
April 2022Tornado (EF0)Four Mile Corner$50,000A video posted to social media showed a brief weak tornado south of Des Arc. The tornado initially began in a farm field near the intersection of North Simmons Road and East Skarda Road. It affected farming facilities on East Skarda Road, blowing the roof and doors off of a farm shop. It also blew propane tanks out of the shop. Two trees were blown over, and multiple power poles were snapped in two. It then lifted shortly after hitting the farm shop.
July 2018Thunderstorm WindHickory Plains$50,000Several silos were damaged, and limbs were downed.
May 2010Thunderstorm WindHazen$50,000Trees were blown down, flagpoles were snapped, and several homes were damaged in Hazen.
May 2008Thunderstorm WindHayley$50,000A shop was destroyed. A mobile home was overturned and the roof was blown off of another mobile home. A couple of trees and some limbs were down.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$50,000Thunderstorm winds destroyed a small airplane hangar, damaged a cotton trailer and blew down several tree limbs.
July 1994Thunderstorm WindBiscoe$50,000Thunderstorm winds destroyed several large utility buildings.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindHazen$50,000Several trees were blown down and some roofs were damaged.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindSlovak$50,000Thunderstorm winds downed some trees and damaged several roofs.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindFairmont$50,000Thunderstorm winds up to 100 mph damaged 10 small planes at the Stuttgart Airport. Doors were blown off 16 hangars and several other hangars were damaged.
March 1994Hailnot stated$50,000Several roofs and vehicles were damaged by dime-sized hail in Center Point.
February 2012Thunderstorm Wind(Sgt)Stuttgart Municipal Airport$40,000A wind gust to 82 mph was measured by AWOS at the Stuttgart Municipal Airport. An anemometer atop the terminal building measured a gust to 86 mph. Minor damage occurred at three hangars. The hangar doors were strengthened after a tornado in 2004 and thus did not blow in with this storm. A window was blown out of an SUV parked at the terminal. Near the airport, sheds were destroyed, tin was peeled off a barn, a vehicle was damaged by flying tin, a power pole was broken off, and power lines were blown down.
June 2010Thunderstorm WindFairmount$40,000A farm shop under construction was blown down, microwave dishes on a communications tower were knocked out of alignment, a few large limbs were blown down, and tin was blown off a barn.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$40,000Several trees were uprooted and a barn and a house sustained damage.
May 1997LightningHazen$30,000Lightning struck a house which resulted in a fire. The fire spread from the attic area and eventually destroyed much of the house.
August 2014Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$25,000Trees and power lines were blown down.
February 2013Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$25,000Trees and power lines were blown down in the area around Des Arc. One house had some roofing and siding damage.
September 2012Thunderstorm WindEnarc$25,000Many large trees and some power lines were blown down.
August 2012Flash FloodFour Mile Corner$25,000Several roads were underwater and had to be barricaded.
April 2011Tornado (EF1)Crossroad$25,000A mobile home was knocked off its foundation, shingles were blown off a few houses, and numerous trees were blown down.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$25,000Trees were down across several roads, and one of the trees fell on a power line.
March 1992Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed
February 1975Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed
February 1951Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000no account filed
October 2014Tornado (EF1)(Sgt)Stuttgart Municipal Airport$20,000Most of the tornado's track was across farm fields. A number of power poles were knocked down or broken off.
January 2007Flash FloodDe Valls Bluff$17,000Heavy rains produced widespread flash flooding across Prairie County. Numerous secondary roads were impassible for several hours due to high water levels.
March 2019Tornado (EF1)Slovak$15,000This tornado continued northeast out of Lonoke County into rural southwest Prairie county, uprooting some trees along the path. Near the end of the path, metal roofing material was removed from a metal farm building along South Lisko Road.
August 2010Thunderstorm WindHickory Plains$15,000A grain silo was blown over onto Arkansas Highway 38.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindDes Arc$15,000Power lines were down across the area.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindChilders$15,000Power lines were down across the area.
March 2019Tornado (EF1)Screeton$10,000This tornado moved out of Lonoke County into Prairie County near the intersection of West Zion Road and County Road 817. Additional damage from this tornado was limited to broken power poles along the track in Prairie County.
June 2014FloodHickory Plains$10,000Due to the excessive rain on the morning of the 29th, some roads and fields remained flooded into July.
July 2014FloodHickory Plains$10,000Due to excessive rain on the morning of June 29th, some roads and fields remained flooded into July.
June 2012Thunderstorm WindHickory Plains$10,000Trees were blown down.

Every populated place in the county

55

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on.

The vanished settlements of Prairie County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.