Searcy, Arkansas
Encyclopedia
Searcy is the largest city and county seat
of White County
, Arkansas
, United States
. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,663. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR
Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County. Like Searcy County, the city takes its name from Richard Searcy, a judge for the Superior Court of the Arkansas Territory
.
Searcy is the home of Harding University
, a private, higher-academic, Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and the state's largest private university. Harding College (its original name) moved to Searcy from Morrilton
in 1934, having bought the campus of the defunct Galloway Female College, a Methodist college for women.
One of the state's largest banks, First Security Bank
, was established in Searcy in 1932 as Security Bank. First Security now has over $3.2 billion in assets and 70 locations in Arkansas.
Regional ice cream producer and distributor Yarnell Ice Cream Co.
had its headquarters in the city's downtown area, until the company shuttered in July 2011.
Latina Imports and Latina Nursery are also located in Searcy and is one of the largest female, Hispanic-owned companies in Arkansas.
, was in charge of laying out Searcy's original streets, and "he proceeded to name the major streets of Searcy for those of downtown Old Philadelphia near Independence Hall
; Race, Arch, Market, Vine, Spring, and the tree-honoring streets of Cherry, Spruce, Locust and Pine." In 1957, Searcy named Moore Street after the 19th-century founder.
Spring Street (along with downtown Searcy's Spring Park) may refer to the early history of the Searcy area, when the community was known as White Sulphur Springs. As early as 1834, local springs
with purported therapeutic properties initially drew visitors to the area, similar to the popular attraction to Hot Springs, Arkansas
.
During the American Civil War
, the Battle of Whitney's Lane
was fought near Searcy, though the exact site is disputed. Searcy Landing, on the Little Red River, is the final resting place for some Yankee soldiers.
On August 9, 1965, 53 contract workers were killed in a fire in the Titan missile silo outside Searcy. It was one of the largest industrial accidents in US history.
Despite having lost many factory jobs in the late 20th century, Searcy has recently experienced an economic revitalization. It is deriving revenue from the leasing of the area's mineral rights
to natural gas companies. Some residents are concerned about the environmental impact of the extensive drilling projects that have taken place.
, a private, higher-academic, Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, has its main campus in Searcy. Harding moved in 1934 from Morrilton
. The university has developed and expanded to include 48 buildings on more than 350 acres (1.4 km²); it offers seven International campuses, more than 90 majors in 10 undergraduate degrees, 14 pre-professional programs, and 15 graduate programs. At more than 7,100 students, Harding University is the largest private university in Arkansas.
Arkansas State University Searcy, formerly operating as Foothills Technical Institute, is a technical campus of nearby Arkansas State University Beebe
and offers several two-year programs. In order to create drilling jobs for local populace, ASU-Searcy has partnered in training with the natural gas industry that is developing local natural resources.
Searcy is served by two public school districts. Searcy Public Schools — including Searcy High School, three elementary schools and middle and junior high campuses — serve all but the far eastern portion of the city. That portion of the city is within the Riverview School District — a consolidation of districts serving Kensett
, Griffithville
, Judsonia
, and surrounding communities in southeastern White County extending to West Point
and Georgetown
. Previously, the Riverview portion of Searcy was part of the Kensett school district; Riverview High School was built in eastern Searcy following the consolidation.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38.3 km²), of which 14.7 square miles (38.1 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (0.54%) is water.
of 2000, there were 18,928 people, 6,822 households, and 4,495 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,287.4 people per square mile (497.2/km²). There were 7,405 housing units at an average density of 503.6 per square mile (194.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.24% White
, 6.60% Black
or African American
, 0.31% Native American
, 0.50% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 1.09% from other races
, and 1.25% from two or more races. 2.06% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 6,822 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples
living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 23.4% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,321, and the median income for a family was $41,334. Males had a median income of $32,445 versus $21,142 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,553. About 11.7% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of White County
White County, Arkansas
White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 77,076. The county seat is Searcy. White County is Arkansas's 31st county, formed on October 23, 1835, from portions of Independence, Jackson, and Pulaski counties and named for Hugh Lawson White, a...
, Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,663. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County. Like Searcy County, the city takes its name from Richard Searcy, a judge for the Superior Court of the Arkansas Territory
Arkansas Territory
The Territory of Arkansas, initially organized as the Territory of Arkansaw, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 4, 1819 until June 15, 1836, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Arkansas.-History:The...
.
Searcy is the home of Harding University
Harding University
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A...
, a private, higher-academic, Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and the state's largest private university. Harding College (its original name) moved to Searcy from Morrilton
Morrilton, Arkansas
Morrilton is a city in Conway County, Arkansas, United States, northwest of Little Rock. The town was home to Harding College, now Harding University of Searcy, Arkansas, for about a decade in the 1920s and 1930s. The population was 6,550 at the 2000 census...
in 1934, having bought the campus of the defunct Galloway Female College, a Methodist college for women.
One of the state's largest banks, First Security Bank
First Security Bank
First Security Bank is a privately held company based in Searcy, Arkansas. It currently operates 70 locations across the state of Arkansas and is a division of Arkansas’ sixth largest bank holding company, First Security Bancorp...
, was established in Searcy in 1932 as Security Bank. First Security now has over $3.2 billion in assets and 70 locations in Arkansas.
Regional ice cream producer and distributor Yarnell Ice Cream Co.
Yarnell Ice Cream Co.
Yarnell Ice Cream Company was the privately owned and operated manufacturer of Yarnell's brand ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet products. Founded in 1932, the company's corporate headquarters were located along the east side of Spring Park in downtown Searcy, Arkansas, with 11 branch...
had its headquarters in the city's downtown area, until the company shuttered in July 2011.
Latina Imports and Latina Nursery are also located in Searcy and is one of the largest female, Hispanic-owned companies in Arkansas.
History
Israel Moore, who had traveled west from PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
, was in charge of laying out Searcy's original streets, and "he proceeded to name the major streets of Searcy for those of downtown Old Philadelphia near Independence Hall
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets...
; Race, Arch, Market, Vine, Spring, and the tree-honoring streets of Cherry, Spruce, Locust and Pine." In 1957, Searcy named Moore Street after the 19th-century founder.
Spring Street (along with downtown Searcy's Spring Park) may refer to the early history of the Searcy area, when the community was known as White Sulphur Springs. As early as 1834, local springs
Spring (hydrosphere)
A spring—also known as a rising or resurgence—is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground...
with purported therapeutic properties initially drew visitors to the area, similar to the popular attraction to Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs is the 10th most populous city in the U.S. state of Arkansas, the county seat of Garland County, and the principal city of the Hot Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area encompassing all of Garland County...
.
During the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, the Battle of Whitney's Lane
Battle of Whitney's Lane
The Battle of Whitney's Lane was a small, but psychologically important, land battle of the American Civil War fought on May 19, 1862, in north-central Arkansas.- Union Situation:...
was fought near Searcy, though the exact site is disputed. Searcy Landing, on the Little Red River, is the final resting place for some Yankee soldiers.
On August 9, 1965, 53 contract workers were killed in a fire in the Titan missile silo outside Searcy. It was one of the largest industrial accidents in US history.
Despite having lost many factory jobs in the late 20th century, Searcy has recently experienced an economic revitalization. It is deriving revenue from the leasing of the area's mineral rights
Mineral rights
- Mineral estate :Ownership of mineral rights is an estate in real property. Technically it is known as a mineral estate and often referred to as mineral rights...
to natural gas companies. Some residents are concerned about the environmental impact of the extensive drilling projects that have taken place.
Education
Founded in 1924, Harding UniversityHarding University
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A...
, a private, higher-academic, Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, has its main campus in Searcy. Harding moved in 1934 from Morrilton
Morrilton, Arkansas
Morrilton is a city in Conway County, Arkansas, United States, northwest of Little Rock. The town was home to Harding College, now Harding University of Searcy, Arkansas, for about a decade in the 1920s and 1930s. The population was 6,550 at the 2000 census...
. The university has developed and expanded to include 48 buildings on more than 350 acres (1.4 km²); it offers seven International campuses, more than 90 majors in 10 undergraduate degrees, 14 pre-professional programs, and 15 graduate programs. At more than 7,100 students, Harding University is the largest private university in Arkansas.
Arkansas State University Searcy, formerly operating as Foothills Technical Institute, is a technical campus of nearby Arkansas State University Beebe
Arkansas State University Beebe
Arkansas State University-Beebe is a public two-year college system located in central Arkansas, with its flagship campus in Beebe, Arkansas. The ASU-Beebe system is a subset of the Arkansas State University System.- Campuses :...
and offers several two-year programs. In order to create drilling jobs for local populace, ASU-Searcy has partnered in training with the natural gas industry that is developing local natural resources.
Searcy is served by two public school districts. Searcy Public Schools — including Searcy High School, three elementary schools and middle and junior high campuses — serve all but the far eastern portion of the city. That portion of the city is within the Riverview School District — a consolidation of districts serving Kensett
Kensett, Arkansas
Kensett is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. Located adjacent to the east side of Searcy, the city is the hometown of noted legislator Wilbur D. Mills, who was influential throughout the 1960s in the United States House of Representatives. Max McDonald is the current mayor...
, Griffithville
Griffithville, Arkansas
Griffithville is a town in White County, Arkansas, United States. Windle Porter is the current mayor. The population was 262 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Griffithville is located at ....
, Judsonia
Judsonia, Arkansas
Judsonia is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. Rickey Veach is the current mayor. The population was 1,982 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Judsonia is located at ....
, and surrounding communities in southeastern White County extending to West Point
West Point, Arkansas
West Point is a town in White County, Arkansas, United States.David Hamilton, 74, has been mayor "since 1972 except for two years he missed for cancer surgery," according to an article in the Searcy, Arkansas newspaper The Daily Citizen...
and Georgetown
Georgetown, Arkansas
Georgetown is a town in southeastern White County, Arkansas, United States, overlooking the White River. First settled in 1789 before the Louisiana Purchase, the community is the oldest continuously settled area in Arkansas...
. Previously, the Riverview portion of Searcy was part of the Kensett school district; Riverview High School was built in eastern Searcy following the consolidation.
- Searcy Public Schools
- Searcy High School
- Ahlf Junior High School.
- Southwest Middle School
- McRae Elementary
- Sidney Deener Elementary
- Westside Elementary
- Riverview Public Schools
- Riverview High School
- Private schools
- Harding AcademyHarding Academy (Searcy, Arkansas)Harding Academy is a K-12 private school in Searcy, Arkansas. It is affiliated with Harding University. Like that institution, it is associated with the Churches of Christ and named in honor of an early minister of that fellowship, James A. Harding....
is a K-12 college preparatory school enrolling more than 600 students. Harding University oversees the school, which resides adjacent to the university campus. - Liberty Christian School (K - 8) http://libertychristianschool.net/index.php
- CrossPointe Preparatory, a school affiliated with the National Association of University-Model SchoolsNational Association of University-Model SchoolsThe National Association of University-Model Schools was founded in 2002 to promote University-Model schooling in the United States and to assist existing and developing University-Model Schools....
(r) (http://www.naums.net), opened in the Fall of 2009. http://www.crosspointeprep.org
- Harding Academy
Geography
Searcy is located at 35°14′49"N 91°44′1"W (35.247043, -91.733706).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38.3 km²), of which 14.7 square miles (38.1 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (0.54%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 18,928 people, 6,822 households, and 4,495 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,287.4 people per square mile (497.2/km²). There were 7,405 housing units at an average density of 503.6 per square mile (194.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.24% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 6.60% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.31% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.50% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.09% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.25% from two or more races. 2.06% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 6,822 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 23.4% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,321, and the median income for a family was $41,334. Males had a median income of $32,445 versus $21,142 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,553. About 11.7% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.
Notable natives and residents
- Mike Beebe, Arkansas' current governorGovernorA governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
- Ginger Beebe, wife of the current governor and first lady of the state, is a native of Searcy.
- Rachel CarterRachel CarterRachel Carter is a theater director in the Oklahoma City drama scene.Carter's directorial efforts have won awards and garnered critical acclaim. She has recently accepted the position of Associate Artistic Director for the Oklahoma City Theatre Company...
- Beth DittoBeth DittoMary Beth Patterson, known by her stage name Beth Ditto , is an American singer-songwriter, most famous for her work with the indie rock band Gossip.-Personal life:...
, singer-songwriterSinger-songwriterSinger-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
of the indie rockIndie rockIndie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band GossipGossip (band)Gossip is a three-piece American indie rock band formed in 1999. The band consists of singer Beth Ditto, guitarist Brace Paine and drummer Hannah Blilie. After releasing several recordings, the band broke through with their 2006 studio album, Standing in the Way of Control . A follow-up, Music for...
. - Sarah Hudson-PierceSarah Hudson-PierceSarah Rachel Hudson-Pierce is an author of inspirational books, a publisher, a journalist, and a former cable television host in Shreveport, the seat of Caddo Parish and the largest city in North Louisiana....
- Ed MaddenEd MaddenEd Madden is a poet, political activist, and associate professor of English and Women's Studies at the University of South Carolina. He grew up in Newport, Arkansas, got his B.A. from nearby Harding University, and received his Ph.D. in literature from the University of Texas, Austin.-Professor...
- Odell PollardOdell PollardOdell Pollard is a retired attorney in Searcy, the seat of White County in central Arkansas, who was a pioneer in the revitalization of the Republican Party in his state.-Early years:...
, state chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party from 1966–1970; and an ally of the late Governor Winthrop RockefellerWinthrop RockefellerWinthrop Rockefeller was a politician and philanthropist who served as the first Republican Governor of Arkansas since Reconstruction. He was a third-generation member of the Rockefeller family.-Early life:...
, practiced law in Searcy from 1950-2005. He was the Republican national committeeman from 1973-1976. - Weston DacusWeston DacusRobert Weston Dacus [DAY-cus] is an American football linebacker for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Arkansas.-External links:**...
, played for the University of ArkansasUniversity of ArkansasThe University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in...
as linebacker and was signed to the Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
as an unsigned free agent in 2008. He played two seasons with at Arizona and later joined the United Football League. He plays for the Florida Tuskers.
External links
- City of Searcy government website
- Searcy Chamber of Commerce official website
- Searcy information page from The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture entry: Searcy (White County)
- Riverview High School