Ozark Living

By Beth Corey Somewhere, over the river lies the "forgotten foothills of the Ozarks," where the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozarks merge, not only topographically, but culturally and economically as well. On one side there is a relatively flat landscape with rolling hills, deeply rooted in Southern culture meeting the Wild West. On the other side, you have the majestic mountain scenery of the Ozarks with its folk traditions unlike any other region. e region is like an estuary, not quite one ecosystem and not quite the other. To understand the complex culture of the "forgotten foothills of the Ozarks" and why it is "forgotten," you must first understand the history of the surrounding region. e area was once considered to be a part of the Empire County, deemed such because of its extensive geographical area once covering what is now known as Scott, Sebastian, Franklin, and Washington counties. Once roamed by Nomads such as the Osage, it eventually became a reservation for the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears movement, before the line to the West was defined as what we now know as the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. Like much of the Ozarks, beyond the Natives, the first known settlers in Crawford County were of Irish, German and Scottish decent. All of which is important in understanding the complex culture of the region. Arkansas River Valley Region of Fort Smith and Van Buren Fort Smith was originally settled to keep the peace between the Osage, indigenous to the area, and the Cherokee, who were forcibly displaced to the region. e Arkansas River also provided fertile growing land which kickstarted what was bound to be and will continue to be a long history of growth. Eventually becoming the second largest and now third largest city in the state. But that did not come without some competition. Van Buren, next door to Fort Smith and largely known for steamboat and train exporting and importing, was once the county seat of the entire region known as Crawford County. Due in large part to its founder John Drennen, Van Buren was a fast-growing city. Eventually Fort Smith won the battle to become the seat of the Western District Court with Van Buren taking the back seat, which eventually led to the most historic icon of Fort Smith, "Hanging Judge" Isaac Parker. Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas: "Athens of the Ozarks" Named one of the best areas in the United States for education, culture and professional development and the second largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville has a reputation as the state's cultural and education hub since its incorporation in 1841. Fayetteville's most reputable staple is being the home of our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. Further to the north, Bentonville's history includes Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart and who can be credited for much of Northwest Arkansas' growth in the last century. Education and commerce development are not the only things our neighbors have going for them. For generations, the true staple of Fayetteville has been the beautiful hills it is situated within. SOMEWHERE, Over the River An Ozarks, River Valley Estuary Somewhere, Over the River columnists at Drennen Scott House open house Feb. 25, 2023. From left: Dittany Hammer, Natural States Nature; Lacey Fletcher, Marry Me Meals; Beth Corey, publisher; and Tom Wing, A Raconteur from Rackensack. 30 • April 2023 • OZArK liViNG

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