Welcome to Cleveland County, Arkansas

In 1819, most of this area was in Clark County.  By the time Arkansas became a State in 1836, the area was called Union County.  Bradley County was created December 18, 1840.  The area now known as Cleveland County was part of this county. Located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas, Cleveland County was created in 1873 and first called Dorsey County in honor of Stephen Dorsey, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas. The name was changed in 1885 to Cleveland in honor of President Grover Cleveland. The residence of N. V. Barnett was its first county seat until 1872 when it moved to Toledo. In 1889, the seat moved to Rison. Communities in the county include Rison, Kingsland, New Edinburg and Woodlawn.

Latest News

Union Cemetery Tombstone Photos (Added 4/30/09). 

5 Photo Albums (Added 5/10/09).  1939 Rison H. S. Girls Basketball Team, 1939 Rison H. S. Graduating Class, Holderfield Photo Album, Hyatt Photo Album and Gray Photo Album.

1 News Article w/photos (Added 5/10/09).  Old Landmark House Being Razed.

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Thanks to the many who have contributed their research, time and assistance.   

A Special thanks to Belinda (Brown) Winston for the many years of helping to make our County site one of the best!

• Judy Brown - County Coordinator
• Gina Heffernan - Archives Coordinator
• Betsy Mills - State Coordinator
• Jeff Kemp - Asst. State Coordinator