Ouachitas Region, AR Land for Sale

The Ouachitas region of Arkansas is located in the Midwestern part of the state and borders Oklahoma to the west. It's named for the Ouachitas Mountains which cover much of the area. The name is composed of two Choctaw words, meaning buffalo and large, due to the large herds of American bison that once covered the prairies of the area. The largest cities in the region are Hot Springs, Benton, Malvern, Arkadelphia and Mena. It is one of the few major mountainous regions between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. The highest point in the region is Mount Magazine, which rises to 2,753 feet.

There are two national forests, five state parks and five state wildlife management areas in this region. Most notable are Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Caney Creek State Wildlife Management Area, Daisy State Park, De Gray State Park, which features De Gray Lake, a 13,800- acre fishing and water sports resort in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Mount Nebo State Park, which features 1,350-foot Mount Nebo, offering beautiful views of the Arkansas River Valley, and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Talimena Scenic Drive is also in this region, and begins at Mena and traverses 54 miles of Winding Stair and Rich Mountains. Other attractions in the region include Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public, and Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, which features eight bathhouses, some using the area's natural hot springs, Old Washington Historic State Park, featuring a preserved 19th century village and Garvan Woodland Gardens. Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton are two reservoirs in the region, which were created for hydroelectric power generation and recreation.

Much of the region's economy is based on agriculture and natural and mineral resources. Malvern is known for brick production, which utilizes the local clay. Hot Springs was ranked by Forbes as one of the top "small places for business and careers," due to the low cost of doing business, high job growth and an educated workforce. There are a small number of higher education institutions in the county, including Henderson State University, College of the Ouachitas, National Park College and Rich Mountain Community College.

Garland County is located toward the Mideastern part of Arkansas' Ouachitas region. It is named for Augustus H. Garland, the 11th governor of Arkansas. Hot Springs is the only city and county seat and there are less than 15 other towns, townships and unincorporated communities. Hot Springs National Park, which is located in the county, was the first property to be protected under federal legislation. A Law was passed in 1832 supported by President Andrew Jackson to preserve the area, even before Arkansas became a state. Other attractions include Lake Ouachita, Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton, which offer a full range of water recreation. There are 47 springs along the base of Hot Springs Mountain. Recreation and tourism have always been mainstays of the county's economy, as well as livestock production and logging. The county is home to one of the largest quartz crystal mining operations in North America. National Park College is located in Garland County, in Hot Springs.

Saline County is in the mid-eastern part of Arkansas' Ouachitas region, just east of Garland County, and borders Pulaski County to the east and is very close to Little Rock. It is named for the salt water (brine) springs in the area, however does not use the traditional pronunciation of the word "saline." Benton is the largest city and the county seat, and other cities include Alexander, Bryant, Haskell, Shannon Hills and Traskwood. There are less than 30 other towns, townships and unincorporated communities. The entire county is included in Little Rock's metropolitan area. Saline's economic base is strong and broad. It is a regional center for shopping and entertainment, and has large and medium manufacturing and processing facilities and the infrastructure to transport goods and materials affordably. There is substantial rail and interstate highway access, as well as the Saline County Regional Airport, which boasts a 5,000-foot runway. It is also close to Little Rock National Airport. The population in the county has increased 40% in the last 15 years. The county boasts nationally recognized schools and a variety of shopping and dining amenities. Some attractions in Saline County include the Saline River, excellent for fishing and canoeing, and Shoppach House Historic Park, which features the oldest standing structure in Benton.

Hot Spring County is located just south of Garland County and Saline County, also in the eastern part of the Ouachitas region. As is the city, it is named for the natural hot springs in the area. Malvern is the largest city and the county seat, Rockport is the other city in the county, and there are less than 30 other towns, townships and unincorporated communities. The county's economy base is beef and dairy cattle and cultivation of hay, soybeans and rice. There are also lumber mills and brick plants. Malvern earned the nickname "Brick Capital of the World," due to the production of bricks from locally available clay, and there are three brick plants and other manufacturing companies. An annual Brickfest celebration is held each year in Malvern. The county has many varieties of valuable minerals, including the greatest concentrations of novaculite, vanadium and magnet ore in the U.S. Lake Catherine is also in this county, and the Ouachita River, both of which are popular destinations for campers, boaters and fishers.