Discovering Batesville, Arkansas: A Guide to History, Nature, and Community
The Historic Heart of Independence County
Nestled along the banks of the White River in the foothills of the Ozarks, Batesville stands as the oldest existing city in Arkansas. Founded in 1821, its history is deeply intertwined with the river that served as its original economic lifeline. The city was named for James Woodson Bates, the first territorial delegate from Arkansas to the U.S. Congress.