PRAIRIE COUNTY, AR HISTORY AND LOOKUP
County History Books
*None Listed
Prairie County, Arkansas: A Genealogical Overview
Located in the Grand Prairie region of eastern Arkansas, Prairie county’s history is defined by its unique landscape, the development of rice cultivation, and its status as a dual-county seat. Researching ancestors in this area requires navigating its jurisdictional shifts and understanding its distinct agricultural heritage.
I. County Formation and Evolution
Understanding Prairie county’s formation, the loss of its original county seat, and its subsequent division into two judicial districts is essential for locating the correct records.
- 1846: County Formed: Prairie county was established on November 25, 1846.
- Parent County: It was created from a portion of Pulaski county.
- Name Origin: The county was named for its dominant geographical feature, the Grand Prairie, a vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem unique to the region.
- County Seat History: The original county seat was Brownsville. In 1873, Lonoke county was created and absorbed the territory containing Brownsville. The Prairie county seat was then moved to DeValls Bluff. Due to political friction between the northern and southern parts of the county, a second district and courthouse were established in Des Arc in 1885, creating a dual-county seat system that remains today.
II. Settlement and Early History
- Early Inhabitants: The area was part of the territory of the Quapaw people, who utilized the prairie and the surrounding river systems, including the White River.
- Settlement and Economy: American settlement was initially slow as the open prairie was considered difficult to farm compared to forested lands. The county’s growth was driven by agriculture. While some cotton was grown, the area’s flat topography and clay subsoil proved to be perfectly suited for rice cultivation, which became the dominant economic force in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of railroads after the Civil War was critical for transporting rice and hay to market.
- Civil War: The county saw significant action during the Civil War due to its strategic location on the White River. The Battle of DeValls Bluff in 1863 was a key engagement, securing a Union supply base in the region.
III. Genealogical Records and Resources
This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Prairie county, keeping its dual-courthouse system in mind.
- Courthouse:
- Prairie County Courthouse (Southern District): Located at 200 Courthouse Square, DeValls Bluff, AR 72041.
- Prairie County Courthouse (Northern District): Located at 601 South Main Street, Des Arc, AR 72040. Both courthouses hold records such as wills, estate files, land deeds, and marriage licenses for their respective districts. It is essential to determine which district an ancestor lived in. For records prior to 1846, researchers must consult the records of Pulaski county.
- Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Arkansas began in February 1914. Records are held by the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Marriage Records: Marriage records are held at the county level by the County Clerk in the appropriate district courthouse (DeValls Bluff or Des Arc).
- Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
- Prairie County Library System: The system has branches in both Des Arc (112 West Main Street) and DeValls Bluff (110 East Cedar Street). These libraries are the best starting point for local history collections. The Grand Prairie Historical Society is also a key organization for researchers.
- Bordering Jurisdictions:
- Arkansas county
- Lonoke county
- Monroe county
- White county
- Woodruff county