City of Newark

Customers, a friendly reminder! With the anticipated Extreme Cold temperatures forecasted, please be sure to keep lids on the meter boxes. This will prevent the meter from freezing and disrupting water service! It would also be a good idea to insulate all exposed plumbing on your property. A steady small flow of water will also help prevent homeowner pipes from freezing along with leaving cabinet doors to vanities, and sinks open to allow heat to reach the plumbing. Also now is a good time to locate your shutoff valve in case of a leak in your plumbing. Thanks and be safe in this extreme cold that is coming.

Newark was founded as an alternate site to an older town plagued with a major drawback. The pre–Civil War community of Akron (also known as Big Bottom) was subject to the destructive overflows of the White River. In 1880, plans for a proposed railroad would have had it passing through Akron, but the revised 1882 plans sought higher ground on which to lay tracks about a mile north. As a result, one town’s shortcomings led to the founding of another.

Throughout much of its history, Newark has been one of Independence County’s larger towns. Called by the local newspaper the “Queen City of South Independence” in the early 1900s, the town held great promise to be a significant part of the history of the county. Like most small towns in early twentieth-century Arkansas, its early years were full of hope and prosperity, but it later suffered the loss of its business community and a significant part of its populace.

Newark, Arkansas, is easy to find...we're in Independence County, about halfway between Batesville and Newport, and an easy drive from Searcy, Jonesboro, Heber Springs, and Mtn View. Located on the 'north central/northeast Arkansas' area, we have several major state highways (four-lane US 67 is only 16 miles east) plus the Union Pacific and Missouri & Arkansas railroad lines.

Good morning from Newark, AR!