Baxter County, Arkansas
According to Countryaah, Baxter County, Arkansas is located in the north-central part of the state and borders ten other counties. It is bordered to the north by Marion County, to the east by Fulton County, to the south by Izard and Stone counties, and to the west by Boone and Searcy counties. Baxter County covers an area of approximately 587 square miles and has a population of over 41,000 people.
The county was established in 1873 from parts of Izard, Fulton, and Marion counties. It is named after Elisha Baxter who was Governor of Arkansas from 1873 to 1874. The county seat is Mountain Home which is located on Bull Shoals Lake.
Baxter County offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors including fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, hunting, bird watching and much more. The Ozark Natural Science Center offers educational programs for students as well as guided hikes through their natural areas. Bull Shoals State Park provides a variety of outdoor activities such as boating on Bull Shoals Lake or exploring nature trails along the White River.
The county also boasts several historic sites such as Norfork Dam & Visitor Center which is home to a hydroelectric power plant; Gassville Museum which contains artifacts from Baxter County’s past; and Mammoth Spring State Park which features a natural spring that flows at nine million gallons per hour.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or historical attractions, Baxter County has something for everyone. With its diverse landscape ranging from rivers and lakes to mountains and forests it provides a unique experience for visitors that can’t be found anywhere else.
Demographics of Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County, Arkansas is home to over 41,000 people with a median age of 43.7 years old. The largest ethnicity in the county is white at 95%, followed by African American at 2% and Hispanic or Latino at 2%. The population is fairly evenly divided between male (50%) and female (50%).
The median household income in Baxter County is $41,417 with 15% of the population living below the poverty line. The majority of residents are employed in healthcare and social assistance (20%), educational services (14%), and retail trade (12%).
The largest cities in the county are Mountain Home, Gassville, Lakeview, Salesville, and Norfork. Mountain Home is the county seat where most government services are located including a hospital, library, and courthouse. Gassville is a small town located on the White River that offers recreational activities such as fishing and camping. Lakeview has a small lake surrounded by cabins for vacationers to enjoy during their stay. Salesville has a few stores as well as an 18-hole golf course for visitors to experience. Lastly Norfork has a hydroelectric power plant that supplies electricity to the area as well as plenty of outdoor activities such as boating and hiking trails along the river banks.
Baxter County has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or historical attractions there’s something here to explore. With its diverse landscape ranging from rivers and lakes to mountains and forests it provides a unique experience for visitors that can’t be found anywhere else.
Places of Interest in Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County, Arkansas is home to a variety of places of interest for visitors to explore. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a great place to learn about the fish populations in the area and observe them up close. The Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. In addition, visitors can take part in ranger-led interpretive programs about the area’s flora and fauna.
The Twin Lakes Area is a great spot for water recreation with two large lakes connected by the White River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating here or take part in one of the many festivals that are held throughout the year.
The Ozark Mountain Region is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts with its numerous trails for hiking and biking as well as its picturesque scenery. There are also plenty of opportunities to go rock climbing and rappelling here or take part in one of the many geocaching events that are held throughout the year.
For those interested in history, Baxter County has several sites worth visiting such as the Baxter County Courthouse which houses a museum dedicated to local history and culture; The Norfork Depot Museum which offers displays on railroad history; The Bull Shoals Dam Visitor Center which offers educational tours on hydroelectric power production; and The Twin Lakes Museum which features exhibits on local Native American culture.
No matter what interests you have there’s something here in Baxter County for everyone. With its diverse landscape ranging from rivers and lakes to mountains and forests it provides a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Notable People of Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County, Arkansas has produced a number of notable people over the years. These include former president Bill Clinton who was born and raised in Hope, Arkansas. Clinton went on to become one of the most influential presidents in American history and is remembered for his progressive policies as well as his commitment to public service.
Another notable figure from Baxter County is actor Billy Bob Thornton who grew up in nearby Mountain Home. Thornton is best known for his roles in films such as Sling Blade and Monster’s Ball and has won numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film Sling Blade.
The county also spawned Grammy Award-winning musician Levon Helm who was born in Marvell, Arkansas. Helm was a key member of The Band and contributed to some of their most famous songs such as “The Weight” and “Up On Cripple Creek”. He also released many solo albums during his career which showcased his unique style of Americana music.
Other notable people from Baxter County include former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett who played college football at the University of Arkansas before entering the NFL; humanitarian and civil rights leader Daisy Bates who worked tirelessly to desegregate schools in Little Rock; and author Charles Portis whose novel True Grit was adapted into two acclaimed films starring John Wayne and Jeff Bridges respectively.
These are just a few of the many notable people that have come out of Baxter County, Arkansas over the years. Each one has made an impact on their respective fields, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
