Ozark Gateway Region Counties

Discover the many attractions each county of the Ozark Gateway Region holds. . .

Fulton County was established in 1842 from lands taken from Izard County.  It was named for William S. Fulton, the last governor of Arkansas Territory. 

Independence County was created in 1820, from Lawrence County.  Originally, it covered all or parts of 12 present counties.

Izard County was established in 1825 from land ceded by Independence County. It was named for George Izard, second territorial governor of Arkansas. 

Jackson County was formed in 1829 from territory taken from Independence County.  It was named for Andrew Jackson, then president of the nation. 

Lawrence County is the state’s second oldest political district, created by the Missouri Territory in 1815, when Arkansas was a part of Missouri.

Randolph County was established in 1835, just prior of Arkansas statehood.  It was named in honor of John Randolph, a Virginia statesman and U.S. Congressman.

Sharp County was created in 1868 from the western part of Lawrence County.  It was named in honor of Ephriam Sharp, a pioneer legislator from the region. 

Stone County was established in 1873 from parts of Independence, Izard, Searcy and Van Buren counties.  It was named for the rocky terrain found in the area, which is mountainous with many free-flowing streams.