Jonesboro history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Jonesboro dates back to the mid-19th century. The official founding date is considered to be 1859, when it was selected as the administrative centre for the newly formed Craighead County. The settlement was named in honour of State Senator William A. Jones, who actively supported the creation of the new county.

Key Development Factors

The city's development was defined by a successful combination of geographical and transport advantages:

• Geography: Jonesboro is located on Crowley's Ridge. This unique geological formation provided protection from floods and created more favourable living conditions compared to the swampy lowlands of the Mississippi Delta.
• Transport: The arrival of railway lines (specifically the Cotton Belt Railroad) in the late 19th century transformed the city into an important trading hub, connecting it to major sales markets and ensuring an influx of new residents.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the region's economy was based on logging, as the area was rich in high-quality timber. As lands were cleared, agriculture came to the forefront, which continues to play a vital role in the life of the region today.

A crucial milestone in cultural history was the opening of an agricultural school in 1909, which eventually transformed into Arkansas State University. This event permanently secured Jonesboro's status as the main educational and cultural centre of Northeast Arkansas.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1859 — Jonesboro is officially founded and selected as the administrative centre for the newly created Craighead County.
• 1881 — The construction of the Cotton Belt Railroad transforms the city into the region's important transport hub.
• 1883 — The settlement officially receives city status, facilitating the development of local infrastructure and governance.
• 1900 — Foundation of St. Bernards Medical Center, which began its work during a malaria epidemic and grew into a major hospital.
• 1909 — Establishment of the First District Agricultural School, which became the foundation for the region's main university.
• 1933 — Opening of the Arkansas State University Museum, which began collecting and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.
• 1967 — The local college receives university status and its modern name — Arkansas State University (A-State).
• 1987 — Completion of the Convocation Center (now First National Bank Arena), the main venue for concerts and sports.
• 2004 — Start of a large-scale programme for the revitalisation of the city centre (Downtown Jonesboro), aimed at restoring historical buildings and attracting business.
• 2019 — Opening of the modern Red Wolf Convention Center, significantly expanding the city's capabilities in the sphere of business tourism.

Key Stages of Jonesboro's Development

The story of the transformation from a small logging settlement into the main economic and cultural centre of Northeast Arkansas is built on several fundamental events. These milestones defined the modern appearance of the city, its architecture, and atmosphere.

• Railway Boom (Late 19th Century)

  The arrival of the Cotton Belt Railroad became a catalyst for growth. From an isolated settlement on Crowley's Ridge, Jonesboro turned into a trading hub through which valuable timber and cotton were exported. This event laid the foundation for the formation of a strong merchant class and the construction of the historical centre.

• Birth of a University City (1909)

  The opening of the agricultural school, which subsequently became Arkansas State University (A-State), forever changed the demographics and culture of the city. The university brought with it museums, sports arenas, and an influx of youth, making Jonesboro the educational capital of the region.

• Medical Centralisation (20th Century)

  The founding of St. Bernards Medical Center during a malaria epidemic grew into the creation of a powerful medical cluster. Today, healthcare is one of the pillars of the city's economy, attracting specialists and patients from across the state.

• Industrialisation and Diversification (Mid-20th Century)

  Moving away from an exclusively agrarian economy towards manufacturing allowed the city to maintain stability. The appearance of large factories and industrial enterprises provided jobs and an influx of investment, which favourably distinguishes Jonesboro from many other cities in the Mississippi Delta.

• Downtown Revitalisation (2000s — Present)

  A large-scale programme to restore the historical centre breathed new life into ancient brick buildings. The transformation of main streets into a zone for dining, arts, and festivals has made the city centre a point of attraction for tourists and locals alike.

• Development of Business Tourism (Modern Stage)

  The construction of modern convention centres and the improvement of transport accessibility (including the modernisation of highways) have secured the city's status as a venue for hosting major regional events and business forums.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Jonesboro reflects its transformation from a small logging settlement into a major regional centre. The urban planning structure of the city is largely dictated by its location on Crowley's Ridge, as well as the development of the railway network, which defined the layout of the central streets in the late 19th century.

Eras and Styles

Several key periods can be traced in the city's appearance, each corresponding to specific architectural trends:

• Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries: Eclecticism and Commercial Style

  A period of rapid growth associated with the railway. The historical centre is dominated by two- and three-storey brick buildings, characteristic of American trading towns of that time. Elements of Neoclassicism and Victorian style, adapted for commercial needs, are found here.

• 1930s: Art Deco

  The era of the Great Depression and "New Deal" programmes left a bright mark in the form of administrative buildings. Strict lines, geometric decor, and monumentality became symbols of reliability and progress during difficult times.

• Second Half of the 20th Century — Present: Modernism and Contemporary Architecture

  The development of Arkansas State University and the medical cluster brought modern forms to the city. The university campus and new community centres demonstrate functionalism and the use of glass and concrete, characteristic of late modernism.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Several objects and locations form the recognisable architectural portrait of Jonesboro:

• Craighead County Courthouse — The brightest example of the Art Deco style in the region. Built in 1934, this building with its characteristic vertical pilasters and geometric ornamentation is the dominant feature of the central square.
• Historic Centre (Downtown Jonesboro) — The Main Street district, preserving the atmosphere of the early 20th century. Here, restored brick facades of old warehouses and shops now house restaurants and lofts, demonstrating a successful example of adaptive reuse of historical buildings.
• West Washington Avenue District — A historical residential quarter where mansions in Queen Anne, Craftsman (American Arts and Crafts style), and Colonial Revival styles have been preserved, showcasing the tastes of the local elite of years past.
• Arkansas State University Campus — An eclectic combination of historical academic buildings and modern sports arenas, such as the First National Bank Arena, reflecting the dynamic development of the educational environment.

Famous Personalities of Jonesboro

The fates of many outstanding people who achieved success in politics, literature, art, and sports are connected with the city. Here are some of the most significant names:

• Hattie Caraway (1878–1950) — Politician and Senator.

  A historical figure of national scale. The first woman democratically elected to the US Senate, where she served from 1931 to 1945. She lived in Jonesboro and is buried in the city's Oaklawn Cemetery.

• John Grisham (born 1955) — Writer.

  A world-famous author of legal thrillers, whose books have been translated into dozens of languages and repeatedly adapted into films (for example, "The Firm", "The Client"). He was born in Jonesboro before his family moved to other parts of the state.

• Rodger Bumpass (born 1951) — Voice Actor.

  A voice familiar to millions of viewers worldwide: he voices Squidward in the cult animated series "SpongeBob SquarePants". Bumpass grew up in Jonesboro and is a graduate of Arkansas State University.

• Wes Bentley (born 1978) — Theatre and Film Actor.

  A Hollywood actor who gained fame thanks to roles in the Oscar-winning film "American Beauty", the blockbuster "The Hunger Games", and the popular series "Yellowstone". Born in Jonesboro to a family of Methodist ministers.

• Julia Duffy (born 1951) — Actress.

  A star of American television in the 1980s and 90s, known for roles in the sitcoms "Newhart" and "Designing Women". A multiple nominee for the Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

• Earl Bell (born 1955) — Athlete and Coach.

  A track and field athlete specialising in pole vaulting, a bronze medalist at the 1984 Olympic Games, and a former world record holder. He worked for a long time as a coach at Arkansas State University, training numerous champions.