On October 23, 1835 the General Assembly of the Territory of Arkansas passed an act which took in 1,027 miles of lands from Independence, Pulaski, and Jackson Counties and created White County. White County is comprised of 16 communities today.
Originally called Sulphur Springs, Searcy began its history on November 23, 1837. It was on this date that the State Legislature of Arkansas upon designating the seat of White County officially named it Searcy in honor of Richard Searcy, a transplanted attorney who helped the territory attain statehood.
In 1849 the first steamboat pulled in where Gin and Deener Creeks empty into the Little Red River. The spot was quickly named Searcy Landing. Searcy soon became a main trading center and has continued its steady growth.
Readers are urged to find more information in two books that have been written about Searcy's history; Raymond Muncy's "Searcy, Arkansas A Frontier Town Grows Up with America" and Claude Johnson's "The Humorous History of White County". You can find these books at the local library. You can also find historical information through the White County Historical Society.
Organization’s such as White County Historical Society's and Main Street Searcy are working to preserve and protect our unique history. The White County Historical Society operates and maintains Pioneer Village a collage of buildings, wagons, tools and other artifacts of our history. More information can be found by visiting their website at www.argenweb.net/white.
IMPORTANT DATES
1868
The present courthouse was built. It was remodeled in 1932 and is the oldest courthouse still functioning as a county seat.
1877
First United Methodist Church was erected at Main and Market (still stands.)
1889
Galloway Female College was established in an 18-acre grove of trees, the present site of Harding University.
1902
Trinity Episcopal Church and Cumberland Presbyterian were built. (both Still stand.)
1934
Galloway College closed it's doors, and Harding moved to the site from Morrilton.
1964
Four Lane divided State Highway 67/167 was completed providing easy access to Little Rock