Nestled in the heart of southeast
Arkansas, Monticello (Drew County) stands as the region's largest town,
boasting a rich history marked by continuous growth and prosperity.
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of two major highways and bolstered
by early railroad access, it quickly emerged as a dynamic commercial hub. Its
diverse economy—which includes commerce, agriculture, and timber—has laid a
robust foundation that has propelled the town's development over the years.
The town's origins trace back to nearby
Rough and Ready Hill, where the first business and county court were
established by 1836. Following the creation of Drew County in 1846, local
leaders determined it was time to construct a new town to serve as the county
seat. In an act of generosity, early settlers Fountain and Polly Austin donated
eighty-three acres of land for the new town site in 1849. Legend has it that
the name "Monticello" was inspired by President Thomas Jefferson’s estate
in Virginia.
By 1851, Monticello had erected its first
courthouse at the center of town, a structure that would be replaced by a
larger building in 1857. The early 1850s also saw residents allocate land for
various Christian churches. Furthermore, lots were reserved for a male academy,
a female academy, and a cemetery.
The town's commercial momentum faced
challenges during the Civil War, as Monticello became a site of conflict. In
both 1864 and 1865, the area was the scene of multiple minor skirmishes,
largely driven by Union forces seeking supplies. Rodger’s Female Academy,
founded in 1857, served a dual purpose as a Confederate hospital, while Phi
Kappa Sigma Male College was repurposed as a supply storehouse. Interestingly,
Monticello's last skirmish occurred despite the formal surrender of the Confederacy,
as word of the war's end had not yet reached the area.
During Reconstruction, the rise of the Ku
Klux Klan marked a tumultuous chapter in local history, largely as a reaction
to the influence of “carpetbagger” governance.
From 1874 to 1896, Monticello became a hub
of activity with the Southeast Arkansas Fair, attracting visitors from across
southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. This vibrant period also saw the
establishment of the McCloy & Trotter Mercantile and Grocery in 1881, a
staple in the town’s economic landscape, founded by John J. McCloy and Virgil
J. Trotter Sr. The community welcomed its first bank, the Monticello Bank, in
April 1887, which would later become Union Bank & Trust Company.
As the twentieth century dawned,
Monticello experienced a significant surge in growth. The Monticello Cotton
Mill, initiated by Warren Anderson in 1900, served as a cornerstone for industrial
development, giving rise to two cotton gins, a fertilizer plant, an ice plant,
and a canning factory. The financial sector also expanded, with the formation
of multiple new banks to support the thriving community.
The journey of education in Monticello
began back in 1910 when the Fourth District State Agricultural School opened
its doors for the first time. A name change in 1925 marked the institution's
evolution into Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College, affectionately
known as Arkansas A&M. The college attained junior college certification in
1928, and climbed to senior college status by 1939, earning accreditation the
following year. Fast forward to 1971, when it became part of the University of
Arkansas system, taking on the name we recognize today: the University of
Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). Of note, the university proudly claims the boll
weevil as its mascot.
In the early 20th century, Monticello
blossomed into a thriving community. The construction of a new courthouse in
1932 marked the beginning of significant developments, followed closely by a
municipal building in 1934. A Coca-Cola bottling plant opened its doors in
1935, and the city celebrated the arrival of a municipal swimming pool in 1936.
These structures have now found their place within the cherished Monticello
Commercial Historic District, a proud reminder of a dynamic era in the town's
history.
As World War II approached, the lingering
shadows of the Great Depression began to dissolve. The Monticello Cotton Mill
emerged as a key player in this economic revival, producing a coarse cotton
material critical for military supplies, including tents, cots, and awnings.
The mill ran at full throttle during the war, drawing many families from
surrounding rural areas seeking job opportunities in Monticello.
Today, the Drew County Historical Museum
stands as a proud guardian of the region's history, showcasing a plethora of
artifacts and a comprehensive archive dedicated to southeast Arkansas.
Alongside it, stately homes lining North and South Main streets proudly hold
positions on the National Register of Historic Places. For relaxation, Lake
Monticello offers a scenic oasis for recreation enthusiasts. Additionally, the
historic Monticello Post Office remains a cherished local landmark. Now serving
as the Economic Development Commission's headquarters, it's one of nineteen
sites across Arkansas where visitors can admire fascinating Depression-era
postal art.
Monticello’s historical narrative
continues to captivate and draw interest, showcasing a community that honors
its past while keeping an eye on future possibilities.
Comments
Post a Comment