The community was the economic hub of Lawrence County before its first platting in 1849. Situated on the Black River, the community took advantage of river traffic both along the river and as a ferry point for crossing the river. The Military Road passed nearby in the 1830s, and the local economy flourished. In 1848, it was proposed that a road should be built from Powhatan to Urlbyville in Greene County.1 The town was formally incorporated in 1853. 2 Residents of Lawrence County had a high opinion of their home, saying "all around us seem glad, joyful, contented, and happy," and there was talk of making Powhatan its seat as early as 1858.345 That same year, bad floods damaged the turnpike.6 The Civil War shut down commerce on the river, especially after the Union acquired Arkansas. Skirmishes throughout the region caused havoc for residents, but a slow recovery began to take place following the war. County government was relocated to Powhatan from Clover Bend, a decision greatly helping Powhatan recover. On October 14, 1886, Poindexter Dunn, then-Democratic nominee for Congress, gave a speech at Powhatan as part of his political tour.7
Following the natural contours of the land, the Kansas City-Memphis Railway crossed the Black River two moles north of Powhatan through the town of Black Rock,ultimately causing the decline of commercial traffic to Powhatan. On March 26, 1887, the Arkansas State Legislature approved Act No. 85, which split Lawrence County into two districts, allowing court to be held in Walnut Ridge (Eastern district) and Powhatan (Western district).8US Route 63 (US 63) was rerouted to bypass Powhatan in the 1950s with the building of the new bridge spanning the Black River, and all county government moved to Walnut Ridge in 1968.
See also: Smithton, search for Lawrence County Seat- 1836.pdf
Sources:
1. The Arkansas Banner. November 28, 1848. p.2. Road Proposed between Powhatan and Urlbyville, 1848.pdf
2.. Washington Telegram. January 19, 1853. p.3 Act to Incorporate Powhatan, 1-19-1853.pdf
3. Weekly Arkansas Gazette. July 24, 1858. p.2. History and Description of Powhatan from the Advertiser, 7-24-1858.pdf
4. Weekly Arkansas Gazette. July 18, 1857. p.1. General Description of Lawrence County, Powhatan, 7-18-1857.pdf
5. "The Vexed Question." Weekly Arkansas Gazette. September 25, 1858. Case Made for Powhatan as County Seat, 9-25-1858.pdf
6. Weekly Arkansas Gazette. April 24, 1858. p.2. Floods Damage Powhatan Turnpike, 4-24-1858.pdf
7. Arkansas Democrat. October 13, 1886. p.7. Congressman Dunn Speaking schedule, 10-13-1886.pdf
8. The partial text of this act can be found in the Powhatan HSP archives. It is printed on a sheet of letterhead from the Mullen Abstract Company in relation to some property near Walnut Ridge.
