History

Conway and Faulkner County

The community which now occupies one of the state’s fastest growing areas was nothing more than wilderness before the 1870’s. Up until that time, most development was just west in the area of a French trading post on the Arkansas River, about 45 miles upstream from Little Rock at Cadron Creek. Appropriately, it was know as Cadron Settlement.

Conway was born following a decision by bypass the settlement in construction of the Little Rock-Fort Smith Railroad. Col. Asa P. Robinson, the engineer in charge of construction was given a one-mile tract of land as compensation. It became the site for Conway Station.

There are three theories on how Conway got its name: an important political family which included two governors, the name of the county where it was located or the name of the railroad locomotive “ Conway.”

Robinson laid out the town around the depot and sold some of the property. In its early days, Conway had two small stores, two saloons, a depot, some temporary housing and a post office. The small city was described in its early days as a town near a “beautiful prairie, giving a good breeze, a pleasant view.”

In 1873 Faulkner County was created as a division of Conway and Pulaski Counties. Conway was named the county seat for the 69th county created by the Legislature. The county began as Conway Station, and is named for Sanford C. Faulkner, the original “Arkansas Traveler.” Conway was incorporated in October, 1875, and at that time had a population of approximately 200.

In 1890, the little town took its first steps toward distinction in the area of higher education. It was that year that the Methodist Church relocated Hendrix College from Altus (Franklin County) to Conway. Three years later, the Baptist State Convention decided to open Central College for Girls and Conway was selected for the site. In 1907, Arkansas Normal School (now the University of Central Arkansas) was established in Conway. The city had rightfully earned its designation as the “City of Colleges” or the “Athens of Arkansas.”

For many years Conway flourished as a trade center for a large rural agricultural area. Various individuals took advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities that they little town presented. In addition, they made civic contributions that helped in the development of Conway. Its economy was firmly established upon agriculture and the educational institutions until World War II.

After the war, diversification of the economy was started by Conway businessmen, and several small industries were attracted to Conway. Subsequently, additional state institutions were located in Conway, including the headquarters for the Office of Emergency Services, the Human Development Center, and the Arkansas Educational Television Network

Today, the railroad continues to run the length of Conway and through its heart in downtown. And Conway is still home to three institutions of higher learning – Hendrix College, Central Baptist College, and University of Central Arkansas. The entrepreneurial spirit can still be felt in Conway, with new business ventures mixing with long-time business establishments, like IC Corporation (formerly Ward Body Works) and Acxiom throughout the city.

Conway has grown considerably in people and in every direction since Col. Robinson developed his plan for the town. The city now takes up about 40 square miles and more than 50,000 residents now call Conway home. And, the city doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

Conway capitalizes on its central location in the state and close proximity to Little Rock. As well as excellent access to the interstate and state’s highway system as well as rail and air services. The city is also a stone’s throw away from the Arkansas River, Lake Conway and Lake Beaverfork.

While the city has changed its appearance dramatically since Col. Robinson arrived on the scene, the citizens of Conway still have a strong work ethic and willingness to work together for the betterment of the community. They share the city’s rich history and vision that ensures a bright future for Conway.