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El Dorado, Arkansas
City
Jefferson Street in downtown El Dorado's Union Square District
Jefferson Street in downtown El Dorado's Union Square District
Location of El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas.
Location of El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas.
El Dorado, Arkansas is located in Arkansas
El Dorado, Arkansas
El Dorado, Arkansas
Location in Arkansas
Country United States
State Arkansas
County Union
Founded 1843 (181 years ago) (1843)
Established May 5, 1870 (154 years ago) (1870-05-05)
Government
 • Type Mayor–council
 • Body El Dorado City Council
Area
 • City 16.21 sq mi (41.98 km2)
 • Land 16.20 sq mi (41.96 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
226 ft (69 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City 17,755
 • Density 1,095.98/sq mi (423.16/km2)
 • Metro
44,170 Arkansas census statistical areas
Demonym(s) El Doradoans
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
71730, 71731, 71768
Area code(s) 870
FIPS code 05-21070
GNIS feature ID 2403547
Highways I-69 (Future).svg
US 63.svg US 82.svg US 167.svg
Arkansas 7.svg Arkansas 15.svg

El Dorado (locally /ɛl dʌˈreɪdoʊ/ el-_-durr-AY-doh) is a city in and the county seat of Union County, on the southern border of Arkansas, United States. According to the 2020 census, the population of the city is 17,755.

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission as well as Murphy USA, Deltic Timber Corporation and a DelekUS oil refinery. The city has a downtown arts district, the Murphy Arts District (MAD); a community college, South Arkansas College (SouthArk); and a multi-cultural arts center, South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC). El Dorado is the population, cultural and business center of south central Arkansas.

The city was the heart of the 1920s oil boom in the area. During World War II, it became a center of the chemical industry, which still plays a part in the economy, as do oil and timber.

History

Timeline

  • 1829, the territorial legislature took sections of Hempstead and Clark counties to establish Union County.
  • 1843, Matthew Rainey founded and named El Dorado. El Dorado became the Union County seat that same year and the first Presbyterian church was organized.
  • 1845, First Baptist Church was organized.
  • 1870, El Dorado Baptist Church was founded and El Dorado was incorporated.
  • 1891, the first passenger train arrives in El Dorado from Camden.
  • 1902, the Tucker-Parnell Feud erupts between Guy Tucker (city marshal), and a local businessman (Tom Parnell).
  • 1908, Washington High School opens.
  • 1921, the Busey No. 1 well was completed. The start of the oil boom. El Dorado is sometimes referred to as "Arkansas' Original Boomtown."
  • 1922, El Dorado Oil Refinery was commissioned and the B'nai B'rith lodge was founded.
  • 1927, the Lion Oil-Exchange Building was completed.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.3 square miles (42 km2), of which 16.3 square miles (42 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.31%) is water.

Topography

El Dorado is located in the West Gulf Coastal Plain: In Arkansas, the West Gulf Coastal Plain covers the southeastern and south central portions of the state along the border of Louisiana. This Lowland area of Arkansas is characterized by pine forests and farmlands. Natural resources include natural gas, petroleum deposits and beds of bromine flats. The lowest point in the state is found on the Ouachita River in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas.

Climate

El Dorado is located in the humid subtropical zone (Köppen climate classification: Cfa).

Climate data for El Dorado, Arkansas (South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 83
(28)		 89
(32)		 99
(37)		 96
(36)		 99
(37)		 108
(42)		 110
(43)		 112
(44)		 110
(43)		 99
(37)		 89
(32)		 83
(28)		 112
(44)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 55.9
(13.3)		 60.2
(15.7)		 68.7
(20.4)		 76.4
(24.7)		 83.5
(28.6)		 90.5
(32.5)		 93.6
(34.2)		 93.5
(34.2)		 88.2
(31.2)		 77.6
(25.3)		 66.0
(18.9)		 58.0
(14.4)		 76.0
(24.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 44.7
(7.1)		 48.5
(9.2)		 56.3
(13.5)		 63.9
(17.7)		 72.0
(22.2)		 79.3
(26.3)		 82.4
(28.0)		 81.8
(27.7)		 75.8
(24.3)		 64.6
(18.1)		 53.8
(12.1)		 46.8
(8.2)		 64.2
(17.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 33.6
(0.9)		 36.8
(2.7)		 44.0
(6.7)		 51.3
(10.7)		 60.5
(15.8)		 68.0
(20.0)		 71.3
(21.8)		 70.2
(21.2)		 63.4
(17.4)		 51.5
(10.8)		 41.6
(5.3)		 35.6
(2.0)		 52.3
(11.3)
Record low °F (°C) −10
(−23)		 −9
(−23)		 11
(−12)		 26
(−3)		 34
(1)		 46
(8)		 53
(12)		 50
(10)		 35
(2)		 24
(−4)		 9
(−13)		 −4
(−20)		 −10
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.39
(112)		 4.47
(114)		 5.10
(130)		 5.39
(137)		 4.81
(122)		 3.88
(99)		 3.43
(87)		 3.40
(86)		 3.23
(82)		 4.58
(116)		 3.83
(97)		 5.61
(142)		 52.12
(1,324)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 9.4 9.4 10.3 8.7 10.55 8.6 8.4 7.4 6.3 7.3 8.7 9.3 104.3
Source: NOAA

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1880 443 —
1890 455 2.7%
1900 1,857 308.1%
1910 4,202 126.3%
1920 3,887 −7.5%
1930 16,421 322.5%
1940 15,858 −3.4%
1950 23,076 45.5%
1960 25,292 9.6%
1970 25,283 0.0%
1980 25,270 −0.1%
1990 23,146 −8.4%
2000 21,530 −7.0%
2010 18,884 −12.3%
2020 17,756 −6.0%
2021 (est.) 17,339 −8.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

El Dorado racial composition
Race Num. Perc.
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 9,029 50.85%
White (non-Hispanic) 6,868 38.68%
Native American 34 0.19%
Asian 210 1.18%
Pacific Islander 3 0.02%
Other/Mixed 595 3.35%
Hispanic or Latino 1,017 5.73%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,756 people, 7,164 households, and 4,466 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,096 people per square mile.

25.9% of the population were under 18, and 7.1% were under 5. People over 65 made up 16.7% of the population. The gender make up of the city was 50.6% female and 49.4% male.

The median household income was $41,831, and the per capita income was $24,081. People under the poverty line made up 22.6% of the population.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 18,884 people, 8,969 households, and 5,732 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,323.3 inhabitants per square mile (510.9/km2). There were 9,969 housing units at an average density of 607.9 per square mile (234.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 49.9% Black or African American, 45.1% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.8% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 8,686 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. Of 8,686 households, 304 are unmarried partner households: 243 heterosexual, 19 same-sex male, and 42 same-sex female. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,045, and the median income for a family was $34,753. Males had a median income of $30,876 versus $19,211 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,332. About 20.0% of families and 24.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.3% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Venues

El Dorado, AR, Conference Center IMG 2633
El Dorado Conference Center

The Murphy Arts District (MAD) opened in 2017 in downtown El Dorado. The district includes a music hall, outdoor amphitheater, farmer's market, musical performers, restaurant with performance stage, the largest playscape in the state, and a water park.

The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) is a 22,500-square-foot (2,090 m2) facility with three visual art galleries, a ballet studio, a theatre, educational classroom space, and an open art studio. SAAC hosts stage events and art exhibitions.

The El Dorado Municipal Auditorium is a multi-purpose auditorium with a large lobby, grand hall seating, and multi-tiered sloping balcony. It has featured musical acts, entertainment shows, school productions, dance recitals and was formerly the location of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1956.

The El Dorado Conference Center is a 50,764-square-foot (4,716.1 m2) multi-purpose facility opened in 2011, which features an assembly hall main hall, small meeting rooms, the student services for South Arkansas College, and bookstore, and café.

Annual events

The Mayhaw Festival occurs in May. The official event name is "Bugs Bands and Bikes". It coincides with a crawfish boil, a "Battle of the Bands", a bike show/one day motorcycle rally, a motorcycle parade, and pool tournament.

The "SouthArk Outdoor Expo occurs in September with activities for anglers, hunters, children, and families.

MusicFest occurs in October in an eight-block area, featuring over 30 acts on five stages.

Winter events include the "Festival of Lights" and the "largest Christmas parade in Arkansas".

Attractions

Rialto Theater, El Dorado, AR IMG 2629
Rialto Theater
  • The Union County Courthouse, opened in 1928.
  • The South Arkansas Arboretum, opened in 1965, is Arkansas's only state park located within a city. It includes more than 2 mi (3.2 km) of paved trails.
  • The Rialto Theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1929 with seating for 1,400, and presented live stage shows and films.

Parks and recreation

City parks include: Lions Club Park and Golf Course, Mattocks Park, Mosby Park, Neel Park, Old City Park, and South Side Park.

The El Dorado Recreation Complex and Pavilion has a playground, baseball and softball facility and two pavilions. It is the location of the El Dorado High School Wildcat Baseball Field and Ladycat Softball Field.

Memorial Stadium is a 6,000-seat football stadium and track which hosts sports event, school teams, the Boomtown Classic, an annual college football match between in-state college football rivals.

Education

According to the 2000 Census, 22.5% of the population age 25+ had an associate degree or higher. More than 400 teachers and administrators work to meet the needs of all students regardless of age, ability, or background. Approximately 50 percent of these teachers and administrators hold advanced degrees. More than 4,600 students attend the nine El Dorado public schools in the El Dorado School District #15. A new high school with a 1500-student capacity was completed in June 2011.

Public

Elementary

There are five elementary schools in the district, divided into academies (K-4) and 1 (K-6):

  • Hugh Goodwin Elementary School of the Arts
  • Murmil Heights learning center
  • Northwest Elementary School of Environment
  • Retta Brown Elementary School of Communication and Technologies
  • Yocum Elementary School of Math and Science

Secondary

  • Washington Middle School (5-6)
  • Barton Junior High School (7-8)
  • El Dorado High School (9-12)

Collegiate

South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk), is a public two-year institution providing educational programs, services, and resources for students. SouthArk offers degrees and certificates in health sciences, industrial technologies, liberal arts, and business.

Private

  • Maranatha Baptist Christian School (PK-12)
  • West Side Christian School (PK-12)
  • Light Brigade Christian Academy (PK-12)
  • Holy Redeemer School (1925–2005)

Media

El Dorado, AR News-Times building IMG 2614
El Dorado News-Times office

Radio

Radio stations include: KMLK (urban adult contemporary), KDMS (southern gospel), KIXB (country), KMRX (classic hits), KAGL (classic rock), KELD (talk), KELD-FM (contemporary hits), KLBQ (classic country), KBSA (NPR), and KAKV.

Television

Television stations serving El Dorado include: KTVE (NBC), KETZ (PBS), K20OC (CBS-HD), KTVE-HD (NBC-HD), K20OC (CBS), KETZ-DT (AETN/PBS), KTBS (ABC), KNOE (CBS), KARD (FOX), and KMLU (MeTV).

Print

The El Dorado News-Times is one of the oldest newspapers in South Arkansas.

Infrastructure

Major highways

  • I-69 (Future).svg Future Interstate 69
  • US 63.svg U.S. Highway 63
  • US 82.svg U.S. Highway 82
  • US 167.svg U.S. Highway 167
  • Arkansas 7.svg Highway 7
  • Arkansas 15.svg Highway 15

Airports

El Dorado has two airports, both owned by the city. South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field services private aircraft and one commercial carrier, and El Dorado Downtown Airport services local industries, and offers hangar space to small private planes.

Utilities

El Dorado water is served locally by El Dorado Water Utilities, a private company. Electricity is supplied by Entergy of Arkansas. Other utility companies serving El Dorado include Summit Utilities (natural gas), Southern Lp-Gas (liquid gas), Bcs (bottled and metered gas), Suddenlink (cable TV, internet and phone), Verizon Wireless and AT&T (residential and wireless phone service).

Notable people

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