According to Countryaah, Bradley County is located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas and is home to an estimated population of 11,000 people. It is the second largest county in the state by population and its total area covers 905 square miles. The county seat is Warren, which has a population of about 2,500. The main economic drivers for Bradley County are agriculture, forestry and timber production, as well as retail and manufacturing.
The majority of Bradley County’s population is concentrated in Warren and other small towns such as Hermitage, Bankside, Wilmar and Tinsman. These towns provide essential services to rural communities throughout the county such as grocery stores, gas stations, medical clinics and schools.
Agriculture has been a major part of Bradley County’s economy for centuries. Soybeans, rice and cotton are some of the most widely grown crops in the area while poultry farming is also a major industry in the region. Timber production is also an important part of Bradley County’s economy with several sawmills located throughout the county that employ hundreds of people each year.
In addition to its agricultural economy, Bradley County also offers plenty of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike including fishing on Lake Monticello or hiking at one of several nearby state parks or wildlife refuges such as White River National Wildlife Refuge or Bayou DeView Wildlife Management Area. The city of Warren also hosts several annual events such as Harvest Festival in October and Christmas on Main Street each December that draw thousands from all over Arkansas to celebrate with their friends and family.
Bradley County provides a great quality of life for its citizens with abundant natural beauty combined with plenty of economic opportunity that makes it an attractive place to live or visit.
History of Bradley County, Arkansas
Bradley County, Arkansas has a long and storied history that spans centuries. The county was formed in 1838 from parts of Ashley, Drew and Union counties. It was named after James Bradley, a local politician who served as a state senator for the area at the time.
The earliest settlers of Bradley County were Native American tribes such as the Quapaw and Caddo who had lived in the region for centuries before European contact. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, white settlers began to arrive in what is now Bradley County and by the mid-1800s, it had become an agricultural center with cotton being the major crop grown in the area.
During the Civil War, much of Bradley County saw action as Confederate forces fought against Union troops. The Battle of Marks’ Mills took place just outside of Warren which resulted in a Confederate victory but also caused extensive damage to the area’s infrastructure.
After Reconstruction ended in 1877, Bradley County began to rebuild and grow with timber production becoming an important industry during this time as well as agriculture remaining a major part of its economy. The county was also home to several prominent figures such as General William Oates who served with distinction during World War II and later became governor of Alabama from 1967-1971.
In more recent years, Bradley County has continued to grow while still maintaining the rural character that many locals cherish. Its population has nearly doubled since 2000 with many new businesses opening throughout the county including retail stores, restaurants and manufacturing facilities which have helped revitalize its economy while still preserving the natural beauty that so many have come to love about living there or visiting.
Major cities and towns in Bradley County, Arkansas
Bradley County, Arkansas is home to a number of cities and towns that offer a variety of services and amenities for its residents. The county seat is Warren, which is also the largest city in the county. It was founded in 1836 and is home to many historical sites such as the Bradley County Courthouse, the Old Warren Jail Museum, and the Bradley County Historical Society. The city has a population of around 4,500 people and offers a range of services including schools, banks, restaurants, grocery stores, and medical facilities.
The second largest city in Bradley County is Hermitage which has a population of about 1,900 people. It was founded in 1856 and has several attractions including the Hermitage Country Club golf course and Lake Erling Park. It also offers a variety of amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, churches, and medical facilities.
Other cities in Bradley County include Monticello which is home to around 1,800 people; Hampton with around 1,000; Banks with around 500; Tinsman with around 300; Wilmar with around 200; Crocketts Bluff with around 100; Thornton with around 60; Harrell with around 30; Rye with around 20; as well as numerous other smaller communities such as Jerusalem and New Hope.
The county also includes several unincorporated areas such as McGehee which is located near Warren on Highway 63 between Monticello and Hermitage. It offers several services including schools and churches while still maintaining its rural charm. Other unincorporated areas include Prichard Corner near Banks on Highway 63 between Hampton and Monticello; Hunter’s Point located on Highway 270 between Banks and Tinsman; as well as numerous other small communities throughout the county.
Population in Bradley County, Arkansas
According to existingcountries.com, Bradley County, Arkansas is home to a population of around 18,800 people according to the 2020 census. The population has steadily grown over the past few decades with an increase of about 5.5% since 2010. The county seat, Warren, is the largest city with a population of around 4,500 people and is followed by Hermitage which has a population of around 1,900 people. Other cities in Bradley County include Monticello which is home to around 1,800 people; Hampton with around 1,000; Banks with around 500; Tinsman with around 300; Wilmar with around 200; Crocketts Bluff with around 100; Thornton with around 60; Harrell with around 30; and Rye with around 20.
The majority of Bradley County’s residents are White (83%), followed by Black (10%), Hispanic/Latino (4%), and Other Races (3%). There is also a small Native American population (less than 1%) in the county. The median age in the county is 42 years old and about half of the population are married couples while almost one-fifth are single households. The median household income in Bradley County is $36,819 which is slightly lower than the Arkansas state average.
Most residents in Bradley County work in manufacturing or related industries such as food processing or metalworking while others work in retail or healthcare services. Agriculture also plays an important role in the local economy as it provides employment opportunities for many residents as well as income for local businesses through the sales of goods such as cotton and soybeans. Bradley County offers its residents a high quality of life that combines rural charm and modern amenities such as shopping centers and medical facilities.
