A Brief History

Dr. Ransom Bettis is given the distinction of being the first settler on the land that is now Pocahontas.  It was known as Bettis Bluff for a short period of time.  His son-in-law Thomas Drew went on to become governor of Arkansas.

Randolph County is split almost in half in rolling hills and half in delta farm land.

 

Other Historical  Information

Randolph County Historic Courthouse – 1873              107 E. Everett St.  Poca.

Randolph County Courthouse – early 1940’s                    107 W. Broadway, Poca.

Saint Paul’s Church,                                                        1002 Convent, Poca.

Saint Paul’s School, Established 1880                              311 Cedar St., Poca.

Old Davidsonville State Park, commonly known as the location of Arkansas’  first courthouse, post office and land office.

Ravenden Springs is site of what is believed to be the first school  in Arkansas,  (Information taken from History of Randolph County by Lawrence Dalton and  also Randolph County Library information)  The school was in a cave in the canyon on Hall’s creek, at Ravenden Springs, before 1820..  In 1906 a high school building with 10 room was erected and in 1907 the high school was established.