El Dorado, Arkansas

El Dorado, founded by Matthew Rainey, is a city in, and the county seat of, Union County, on the southern border of Arkansas, United States.[2] According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 18,884.[3]

El Dorado, Arkansas
City
City of El Dorado
Jefferson Street in downtown El Dorado's Union Square District
Jefferson Street in downtown El Dorado's Union Square District
Location of El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas.
Location of El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas.
El Dorado, Arkansas is located in Arkansas
El Dorado, Arkansas
El Dorado, Arkansas
Coordinates: 33°12′49″N 92°39′45″W
CountryUnited States
StateArkansas
CountyUnion
Founded1843
EstablishedMay 5, 1870
Government
 • TypeMayor–council
 • BodyEl Dorado City Council
 • MayorPaul Choate
Area
[1]
 • City16.21 sq mi (41.98 km2)
 • Land16.20 sq mi (41.96 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Highest elevation
269 ft (82 m)
Lowest elevation
249 ft (76 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City17,756
 • Density1,095.98/sq mi (423.16/km2)
 • Metro
44,170 Arkansas census statistical areas
DemonymEl Doradoans
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
71730, 71731, 71768
Area code870
FIPS code05-21070
GNIS feature ID0076861
Highways

Websitegoeldorado.com

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission as well as Murphy USA, Deltic Timber Corporation and a DelekUS oil refinery. The city has a downtown arts district, the Murphy Arts District (MAD); a community college, South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk); and a multi-cultural arts center, South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC). El Dorado is the population, cultural and business center of south central Arkansas.

The city was the heart of the 1920s oil boom in the area. During World War II, it became a center of the chemical industry, which still plays a part in the economy, as do oil and timber.

History

Timeline
  • 1829, the territorial legislature took sections of Hempstead and Clark counties to establish Union County.[4]
  • 1843, Matthew Rainey founded and named El Dorado.[5][6] El Dorado became the Union County seat that same year[5][6][4] and the first Presbyterian church was organized.[4]
  • 1845, First Baptist Church was organized.[5]
  • 1870, El Dorado Baptist Church was founded[4] and El Dorado was incorporated.[7]
  • 1883, Albert Williams was lynched in El Dorado[5]
  • 1891, the first passenger train arrives in El Dorado from Camden.[4]
  • 1902, the Tucker-Parnell Feud erupts between Guy Tucker (city marshal), and a local businessman (Tom Parnell).[5]
  • 1908, Washington High School opens.[4]
  • 1919, Frank Livingston, a black World War I veteran accused of murder with scant evidence, was burned alive by a mob near El Dorado.[8][9]
  • 1921, the Busey No. 1 well was completed. The start of the oil boom.[5][10][11][6][12][4][13] El Dorado is sometimes referred to as "Arkansas' Original Boomtown."[5][10][14][4]
  • 1922, El Dorado Oil Refinery was commissioned and the B'nai B'rith lodge was founded.[13]
  • 1927, the Lion Oil-Exchange Building was completed.[15]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.3 square miles (42 km2), of which 16.3 square miles (42 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.31%) is water.

Topography

El Dorado is located in the West Gulf Coastal Plain: In Arkansas, the West Gulf Coastal Plain covers the southeastern and south central portions of the state along the border of Louisiana. This Lowland area of Arkansas is characterized by pine forests and farmlands. Natural resources include natural gas, petroleum deposits and beds of bromine flats. The lowest point in the state is found on the Ouachita River in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas.[16]

Climate

El Dorado is located in the humid subtropical zone (Köppen climate classification: Cfa).[17]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880443—
18904552.7%
19001,857308.1%
19104,202126.3%
19203,887−7.5%
193016,421322.5%
194015,858−3.4%
195023,07645.5%
196025,2929.6%
197025,2830.0%
198025,270−0.1%
199023,146−8.4%
200021,530−7.0%
201018,884−12.3%
202017,756−6.0%
2021 (est.)17,339−2.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]

2020 census
El Dorado racial composition[19]
Race Num. Perc.
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 9,029 50.85%
White (non-Hispanic) 6,868 38.68%
Native American 34 0.19%
Asian 210 1.18%
Pacific Islander 3 0.02%
Other/Mixed 595 3.35%
Hispanic or Latino 1,017 5.73%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,756 people, 7,164 households, and 4,466 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,096 people per square mile.[20]

25.9% of the population were under 18, and 7.1% were under 5. People over 65 made up 16.7% of the population. The gender make up of the city was 50.6% female and 49.4% male.[20]

The median household income was $41,831, and the per capita income was $24,081. People under the poverty line made up 22.6% of the population.[20]

2010 census

As of the census[20] of 2010, there were 18,884 people, 8,969 households, and 5,732 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,323.3 inhabitants per square mile (510.9/km2). There were 9,969 housing units at an average density of 607.9 per square mile (234.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 49.9% Black or African American, 45.1% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.8% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[21]

There were 8,686 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. Of 8,686 households, 304 are unmarried partner households: 243 heterosexual, 19 same-sex male, and 42 same-sex female. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,045, and the median income for a family was $34,753. Males had a median income of $30,876 versus $19,211 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,332. About 20.0% of families and 24.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.3% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Venues
El Dorado Conference Center

The Murphy Arts District (MAD) opened in 2017 in downtown El Dorado.[22] The district includes a music hall, outdoor amphitheater, farmer's market, musical performers, restaurant with performance stage, the largest playscape in the state, and a water park.[23][24]

The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) is a 22,500-square-foot (2,090 m2) facility with three visual art galleries, a ballet studio, a theatre, educational classroom space, and an open art studio.[25] SAAC hosts stage events and art exhibitions.[26]

The El Dorado Municipal Auditorium is a multi-purpose auditorium with a large lobby, grand hall seating, and multi-tiered sloping balcony. It has featured musical acts, entertainment shows, school productions, dance recitals and was formerly the location of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1956.

The El Dorado Conference Center is a 50,764-square-foot (4,716.1 m2) multi-purpose facility opened in 2011, which features an assembly hall main hall, small meeting rooms, the student services for South Arkansas Community College, and bookstore, and café.[27]

Annual events

The Mayhaw Festival occurs in May.[28] The official event name is "Bugs Bands and Bikes".[29] It coincides with a crawfish boil, a "Battle of the Bands", a bike show/one day motorcycle rally, a motorcycle parade, and pool tournament.

The "SouthArk Outdoor Expo occurs in September[30] with activities for anglers, hunters, children, and families.

MusicFest occurs in October in an eight-block area, featuring over 30 acts on five stages.[31]

Winter events include the "Festival of Lights" and the "largest Christmas parade in Arkansas".

Attractions
Rialto Theater

Parks and recreation

City parks include: Lions Club Park and Golf Course, Mattocks Park, Mosby Park, Neel Park, Old City Park, and South Side Park.

The El Dorado Recreation Complex and Pavilion has a playground, baseball and softball facility and two pavilions. It is the location of the El Dorado High School Wildcat Baseball Field and Ladycat Softball Field.

Memorial Stadium is a 6,000-seat football stadium and track which hosts sports event, school teams, the Boomtown Classic, an annual college football match between in-state college football rivals.

Education

According to the 2000 Census, 22.5% of the population age 25+ had an associate degree or higher.[36] More than 400 teachers and administrators work to meet the needs of all students regardless of age, ability, or background. Approximately 50 percent of these teachers and administrators hold advanced degrees.[37] More than 4,600 students attend the nine El Dorado public schools in the El Dorado School District #15. A new high school with a 1500-student capacity was completed in June 2011.[38]

Elementary

There are five elementary schools in the district, divided into academies (K-4) and 1 (K-6):

  • Hugh Goodwin Elementary School of the Arts
  • Murmil Heights learning center
  • Northwest Elementary School of Environment
  • Retta Brown Elementary School of Communication and Technologies
  • Yocum Elementary School of Math and Science

Secondary

Collegiate

South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk), is a public two-year institution providing educational programs, services, and resources for students. SouthArk offers degrees and certificates in health sciences, industrial technologies, liberal arts, and business.[39]

Private
  • Maranatha Baptist Christian School (PK-12)
  • West Side Christians School (PK-12)
  • Light Brigade Christian Academy (PK-12)
  • Holy Redeemer School (1925–2005)[40]

Media
El Dorado News-Times office

Radio

Radio stations include: KMLK (urban adult contemporary), KDMS (southern gospel), KIXB (country), KMRX (contemporary hits), KAGL (classic rock), KELD (sports Talk), KELD-FM (news talk), KLBQ (classic country), KBSA (NPR), and KAKV.

Television

Television stations serving El Dorado include: KTVE (NBC), KETZ (PBS), K20OC (CBS-HD), KTVE-HD (NBC-HD), K20OC (CBS), KETZ-DT (AETN/PBS), KTBS (ABC), KNOE (CBS), KARD (FOX), and KMLU (MeTV).

Print

The El Dorado News-Times is one of the oldest newspapers in South Arkansas.[41]

Infrastructure

Major highways

Airports

El Dorado has two airports, both owned by the city. South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field services private aircraft and one commercial carrier,[42] and El Dorado Downtown Airport services local industries, and offers hangar space to small private planes.

Utilities

El Dorado water is served locally by El Dorado Water Utilities, a private company.[43] Electricity is supplied by Entergy of Arkansas. Other utility companies serving El Dorado include Summit Utilities (natural gas), Southern Lp-Gas (liquid gas), Bcs (bottled and metered gas), Suddenlink (cable TV, internet and phone), Verizon Wireless and AT&T (residential and wireless phone service).

Health systems

The city and surrounding area is served by the Medical Center of South Arkansas, MCSA, accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is a general acute-care hospital licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.[44]

Notable people

See also

References
  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Population of the City of El Dorado, Arkansas". censusviewer.com. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  4. "The History of El Dorado". goeldorado.com. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  5. "El Dorado (Union County)". encyclopediaofarkansas.net. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  6. "El Dorado | Arkansas, United States". britannica.com. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  7. "ISJL : Digital Archive: El Dorado, Arkansas". Archived from the original on October 5, 2007. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  8. McWhirter, Cameron (2011). Red Summer The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America. Henry Holt and Company. p. 52. ISBN 9780805089066.
  9. "Frank Livingston (Lynching of)". Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  10. "Arkansas' original boomtown « Rex Nelson's Southern Fried". rexnelsonsouthernfried.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  11. "El Dorado, Arkansas - Canfor's Communities". canfor.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  12. "El Dorado - Arkansas.com". arkansas.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  13. "ISJL : Digital Archive: El Dorado, Arkansas". isjl.org. Archived from the original on October 5, 2007. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  14. "Our City - El Dorado Promise". eldoradopromise.com. January 6, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  15. "Media Information: Arkansas Parks & Tourism". arkansasmediaroom.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  16. "Arkansas Geography from". Netstate. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  17. "World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated". University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. November 6, 2008. Archived from the original on September 6, 2010. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
  18. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  19. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  20. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  21. "El Dorado, AR ZIP codes, demographics, job listings, schools, income stats & more". Muninetguide.com. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  22. "High marks greet new Arkansas entertainment district; 21,000 people attend 4-day festival". Arkansas Online. October 3, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  23. www.architectmagazine.com https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/murphy-arts-district. Retrieved May 18, 2022. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  24. "Murphy Arts District Calendar | Murphy Arts District". eldomad.com. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  25. "South Arkansas Arts Center and Theatre - El Dorado, AR - Events, Entertainment". Discoverourtown.com. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  26. "South Arkansas Arts Center | El Dorado, AR". Saac-arts.org. July 29, 2010. Archived from the original on July 29, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  27. "El Dorado Conference Center". Southark.edu. July 19, 2011. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  28. "Mayhaw Festival - South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society & the Newton House Museum". soarkhistory.com.
  29. "Bugs Bands & Bikes - Main Street El Dorado". mainstreeteldorado.org.
  30. "SouthArk Expo - South Arkansas Outdoor Expo". southarkexpo.com.
  31. "MyArkLaMiss - MusicFest El Dorado Named Festival of The Year". myarklamiss.com.
  32. "Union County, Arkansas: History and Information". E-referencedesk.com. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  33. "Union County, Arkansas". Arkansasties.com. June 30, 1983. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  34. "South Arkansas Arboretum is adjacent to El Dorado HS on west gulf coastal plain". Arkansas State Parks. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  35. "Rialto Theater". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  36. "US Census Bureau Quick facts Sheet accessed 1 February 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  37. "ELDORADOPUBLICSCHOOLS.COM". www.eldoradopublicschools.com. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  38. "El Dorado High School, El Dorado, Ark. | South Central Construction | McGraw-Hill Construction". South Central Construction. June 1, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  39. "SouthArk". Southark.edu. June 30, 1992. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  40. Hargett, Malea (March 28, 2013). "Despite 'year of grace,' St. Joseph School will close". Arkansas Catholic. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  41. "El Dorado News Times - daily newspaper in El Dorado, Arkansas USA with local news and events". Mondotimes.com. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  42. "Resources > Airport > S Arkansas Regional Airport (El Dorado, AR) [KELD/ELD]". FlightAware. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  43. "El Dorado Water Utilities (City Of El Dorado) - El Dorado, Arkansas (AR) | Company Profile". Manta.com. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  44. "Home - About Us". Themedcenter.net. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2012.

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