WCEL West Washington County Directory

By Sarah Haney History of Prairie Grove e earliest accounts of settlement in what is now Prairie Grove dates back to the late 1820s. In 1829, the Rev. Andrew Buchanan, "Uncle Buck" as he was known, came to Prairie Grove aer hearing about a large bountiful spring located in a grove of trees in a beautiful valley. When he arrived the land was already occupied by a man named Tom Wagnon who had laid stake to the spring. Wagnon, in respect for the preacher, agreed that if he could find another suitable piece of replacement land, he would let the Reverend keep the spring for a trade. Uncle Buck agreed to the terms of the trade, Wagon wanted him to travel to his new place of settlement and preach two good redemption sermons in exchange for the land. Andrew Buchanan soon established a church and many new settlers started coming to the valley to live. Among the famous reported to have visited the spring, included; Sam Houston, Resin Bowie, Jeff Davis, Winfield Scott, and Chief Sequoyah. e spring is still visible in Mock Park, located in downtown, and looks much as it did at that turn of the century. e spring was long a gathering spot, where locals would drink from the cool waters and socialize. In 1933, the spring became the first source of water for the newly constructed water treatment and distribution system. e city is also known for its historical and tragic past. On Dec. 7, 1862, the last major battle in Northwest Arkansas took place during the Civil War. More than 2,500 soldiers lost their lives that day, and as darkness fell, confederate troops, outmanned and out of ammunition retreated south under the cover of darkness. e area's first Post Office was established in 1840 and was called Sweet Home Post office, as the area was referred to at that time. It was replaced a few years later and renamed Ada Post Office. A number of years later, the name Prairie Grove was coined. According to legend, aer a young girl passed away, her parents requested she be buried in the cemetery located in the "grove of trees on the prairie." In 1877 streets and lots were platted and the town incorporated in 1888. On July 9, 1888, then County Judge, H.P. Greene, signed the order for the incorporation of Prairie Grove, Ark. e city had existed for many years prior to that as a settlement, village, unincorporated town and community but not until 1888 was it officially incorporated. e city turned 125 years old in 2013. By 1904 nearly a square mile was included in the city and at least seven new subdivisions had been added with hundreds of new lots. City Growth and Industry Prairie Grove has grown over the years, expanding its population by almost seven times, and increasing its land mass by nearly 20 times the original city limits. e city now encompasses 8 square miles and has a population exceeding 4,500. "Self-sufficient" may be the best way to describe the Business District in Prairie Grove. Almost every essential need can be purchased from a variety of businesses which include groceries, pharmacies, hardware, dry-cleaning, clothing, florists, banks and insurance. A historic downtown business district is complimented nicely by several other shopping areas scattered mostly along Highway 62. Prairie Grove has become very popular for the numerous antiques and flea markets in the historic downtown and nearby areas. e city has become the premier antiques and flea market destination in Northwest Arkansas and provides excellent shopping and browsing 7 days a week. A number of restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets are located in the city serving a variety of culinary options. Although the industry in Prairie Grove does not consist of any large corporations, there are a number of small to mid-size manufacturers doing business in the city. Prairie Grove provides a great hometown experience Prairie Grove H Message from the Mayor Prairie Grove is more than just a place we call home, it's a lifestyle. Small town charm with big city amenities, not far from Northwest Arkansas' growing centers but close to its shopping and dining. Living in Prairie Grove offers a lifestyle rich with history and ripe with opportunity, beautiful neighborhoods, wonderful churches, good schools, and a great hometown experience. Most of all, the great people who live here welcome you to Prairie Grove. Prairie Grove has grown, prospered, and developed into a wonderful home town. ~ Mayor Sonny Hudson Kristin Bro (left) of Prairie Grove checks out a Civil War-era cannon following a firing demonstration by the 1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery, a local re-enactment group, at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Photo courtesy of Andy Shupe NWA Democrat-Gazette 2018 West Washington County Directory – 5

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