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2022 Westside Community Guide – 23 ■ GRAvETTE: e Heart of Hometown America By Brittany Smith Gravette strives to be known as a place that is uniquely independent and exceptionally family friendly—e Heart of Hometown America. It covers nearly 14 square miles with a population of more than 4,000 and is within minutes of most major cities and employers in Northwest Arkansas. Within a twenty-mile area, you will find golf courses, lakes, fishing, tennis, walking trails, restaurants, hotels and motels, as well as the beauty of the Ozarks. Gravette, originally spelled "Gravett", was founded in 1893 and was originally referred to as a "gate community" because it was once a gateway from Arkansas to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. E.T. and Laura Gravett, the town's namesake, played a crucial role in establishing the town in the railroad system, which is what prompted much of Gravette's early development. e mystery remains as to how the additional "e" got added to the town name, but legend has it the name resulted from confusion at the local post office with a town of a similar name. ere have been several noteworthy citizens who called Gravette home including Captain Field E. Kindley, a World War 1 flying ace, U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, cowboy film star Lloyd "Slim" Andrews, Boston Red Sox outfielder Gene Stephens, country singer Jeff Carson, and Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame inductee and activist Dorothy Stuck. Local businesses are one of the driving forces in the city, and, according to the City of Gravette, more than 80% of Gravette's registered businesses are small businesses with less than 20 employees each. However, Gravette's five largest businesses, such as the local hospital, employ nearly 1,000 people. ere has been a steady increase in sales tax revenue over the last several years and each year, numerous businesses seek to call Gravette home. Gravette has been a hub of development in recent years, and as it continues to grow, it has more to offer its loyal and prospective businesses and residents. e opening of the new I49 bypass last year brings more growth opportunities to the area. As Northwest Arkansas grows, more and more people are seeking the quiet, rural atmosphere offered by Gravette, while keeping the ease of access to larger more urban communities like Bentonville or Fayetteville. Gravette's active and strong Chamber of Commerce is continually working to better the community and is responsible for several events throughout the year that include the Chamber Gala, Golf Tournament, Teacher Appreciation Day, and support for community events on July 4th, Fall Festival, and Christmas. In 2022, the Chamber launched the Gravette Area smartphone app to assist both residents and visitors in finding what they need in town. Chamber members can post jobs and "hot deals" on the app to help with recruiting new employees as well as advertising the latest "deals." A significant part of what makes Gravette an impressive part of the area is the strong community behind it. rough master planning initiatives, creative partnerships, and professional management of resources, Gravette seeks to be a model community. e citizens of the town are proud of where they live, and this is evidenced by the dedication and effort they put back into the city that exudes a classic hometown feeling.