Jonesboro
Arkansas
City Of Jonesboro
About
The first settlers in what is now Jonesboro and Craighead County were the Indians. When white men began to arrive in Arkansas, they found the territory inhabited by Osages, Caddoes, and Quapaws. The Osages were warlike buffalo hunters who roved over northern Arkansas and the upper valleys of the Arkansas River. The Caddoes were peaceful farmers who lived along the streams of southwest Arkansas. The Quapaws (or Arkansas) Indians inhabited the east central part. It is from them that the name Arkansas (land of the Arkansas Indian) came. Voyagers, trappers, Indian traders, and adventurers were here shortly after 1800 trafficking with the Indians for furs and pelts, but no attempt at permanent settlement was made prior to 1815.
Jonesboro, located on Crowley's Ridge and bordering the Mississippi delta, was selected as permanent seat of justice in 1859 when the county was formed out of parts of Mississippi, Greene, and Poinsett counties. Jonesboro was named after William A. Jones for his support of the legislative act creating the county. The county, itself, received its name through a practical joke. Senator Thomas B. Craighead, who represented Crittenden and Mississippi counties, was against the formation of the county and campaigned actively against it. Senator Jones waited until a day when Craighead was absent to call for a vote on the act. Senator Craighead didn't know anything about it until he got back and found that the county had been named for him.
Recent News
City Of Jonesboro News : Mayor Copenhaver Meets With Red Wolves Rugby Club
Mayor Copenhaver met with South African members of the A-State Red Wolves Rugby Club today about career opportunities for foreign students after graduation and how to retain them locally. They presented Copenhaver with a signed rugby ball. Left…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News Items Left Curbside
Sanitation doesn't pick up large, bulky items placed beside trash containers but, thankfully, Code Enforcement has been bringing the landfill to neighborhoods to help residents get rid of these items. **Ord. no. 3445, Sec. 54-38. (e)The…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News - New Shade Canopies at Archery Range
New Shade Canopies at Archery Range
Two new shade canopies have been installed at the Jonesboro Shooting Sports Complex archery range to provide sun protection.
City Of Jonesboro News Jonesboro Receives Trendsetter Award
Jonesboro was awarded as Education Workforce Development Trendsetter City of the Year in Arkansas for 2022 today at the Arkansas Municipal League convention in Little Rock. Mayor Harold Copenhaver and Chamber of Commerce Vice President Shelle…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News - Spreading Cheer
Spreading Cheer Our city departments came together and adopted senior citizen residents at Liberty Park Senior Living of Jonesboro to ensure they each had a gift this holiday season. Executive Director Laura Courtois and Wellness Director Krista…
Read More »City of Jonesboro News - Groundbreaking for ASTATE to Downtown Bike Trail
Groundbreaking for ASTATE to Downtown Bike Trail A groundbreaking was held yesterday for the new bike trail that will connect Arkansas State University to Downtown. The current project will use the Marion Berry Overpass as a means to get over the…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News : New Exercise Equipment at City Water and Light Park
Two pieces of exercise equipment were installed this morning at City Water and Light Park located at 1123 South Culberhouse Street. They will be set in concrete to join with the sidewalk.
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News : Nettleton High School East Veterans Program
Mayor Copenhaver attended the annual Veterans Program today presented by the students of EAST at Nettleton High School and visited with those who have served our country. The program featured refreshments, performances and tributes as well as guest…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News : Veterans Day Parade Held in Downtown Jonesboro
It was a great morning for the annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Jonesboro as we honored those who have served our country. Following the parade was a ceremony featuring speakers including Mayor Harold Copenhaver, Craighead County Judge Marvin…
Read More »City Of Jonesboro News - Mayor Judges Halloween Costume Contest at Pathfinder, Inc.
Mayor Judges Halloween Costume Contest at Pathfinder, Inc. Mayor Copenhaver had the pleasure of judging the Halloween costume contest today at the Pathfinder, Inc. Jonesboro Adult Development Center. Participants were dressed in a wide variety of…
Read More »City of Jonesboro News - Students Visit Municipal Center
Students Visit Municipal Center University Heights School of Medical Arts, School of Innovation scholars visited the Municipal Building this morning and learned about city government from Mayor Copenhaver as well as his experiences as mayor and the…
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