The first people to discover the Ozark Region that would later become Baxter County were hunters following herds of bison. Native Americans known as the Cliff Dwellers and the Mound Builders were later the area's first settlers.

In 1541, the explorer Hernando DeSoto and his men came to Arkansas in search of gold and silver. From 1699 to 1768, the area belonged to France. From 1768 to 1800 the Spanish flag flew over the Twin Lakes region until it was secretly given back to France. On April 30, 1803 the region was acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. During the 1800s, the town of Liberty-now known as Norfork-was well known as a "jumping off" point for pioneers heading into the wilderness.

While the area wasn't the site of any major Civil War battles, it was often plundered by Jayhawkers and Bushwhackers. By March 24,1873 the area had recovered enough to petition Governor Baxter to officially establish it as a county-which they then gratefully named after the Governor. Mountain Home was incorporated as the county seat on April 16, 1888.


Click above for the History Gallery, you will need Flash to enjoy this Gallery. Click here to download the latest Flash player.

Click above for the Nature Gallery, you will need Flash to enjoy this Gallery. Click here to download the latest Flash player.