Jackson County was formed on November 5, 1829, from part of Independence County. It was named for Andrew Jackson, then the first-term president of the United States. Newport is the county seat. The County Seat has been changed five times. Litchfield (1831) Elizabeth (1839), Augusta (1852), Jacksonport (1854) and Newport (1892). The landscape of Jackson County is rich delta farmland in the north, central, and south and rolling hills in the extreme western part. The economy of the county is agricultural, chiefly, rice, soybeans, corn,  beef cattle, and catfish. Other industries, aluminum, wood products, manufactured goods, and food processing are active. The White River, running across the southwestern part of the county, is one of the premier trout streams in the South. The Black River forms the western boundary and offers good catfishing. The Wildlife Management Area, with acres of bottomland shared by four other counties, offers hunting that is popular in this area. In June each year a port fest, Rollin’ on the River Festival, is held and has been recognized as one of the top 100 festivals in the nation.

We have some of the best hunting and fishing in the state, which has included some very high profile people visiting our county to duck hunt. Former President of the United States Jimmy Carter and actor and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger to name a few. Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe was born here along with baseball Hall of Fame member George Kell, Actress Mary Steenburgen, Basketball great Jim “Bad News” Barnes and former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges Jr.

We are home to part of Hwy. 67, which has been designated “The Rock-n-Roll Highway“ by the Arkansas State Legislature. Musical greats Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Sonny Burgess, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, and Billy Lee Riley have played in clubs along that stretch of highway.

Family fun and entertainment abound in our county.
Many tourists visit this area each year and we hope you enjoy your time here

We have two 18-hole golf courses and numerous parks including Jacksonport State Park and George Kell Park, which features six lighted ball fields, a swimming pool and tennis courts for the public.

We have one of the best two-year colleges in the state at ASU- Newport. The enrollment has steadily increased sinced its opening, it has expanded numerous times and we look forward to more growth in the future.

Jackson County has two great school districts located in Newport and Tuckerman, both of which have expanded.

Jackson County is moving forward and we invite everyone to share the experience with us. Again on behalf of Jackson County, we want to welcome you and leave here encouraged, your hearts warm and a desire to return again. Thank you!