Green Forest, Arkansas Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Green Forest, Arkansas
City
Location of Green Forest in Carroll County, Arkansas.
Country	United States
State	Arkansas
County	Carroll
Area
• Total	2.46 sq mi (6.38 km²)
• Land	2.46 sq mi (6.38 km²)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km²)
Elevation	1,335 ft (407 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	2,972
• Density	1,205.68/sq mi (465.59/km²)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	72638
Area code(s)	870
FIPS code	05-28600
GNIS feature ID	2403736

Green Forest is a city located in Carroll County, Arkansas, in the United States. In 2020, the city had a population of 2,972 people.

Discovering Green Forest's Past

Green Forest has a long and interesting history. The first known settler was John Scott. He made sheep and cowbells. He also briefly served as the postmaster. Scott named the town "Scott's Prairie" after himself.

Early Buildings and Community Life

The First Baptist Church was built from logs in 1854. It also served as the local school. The Methodist Church opened a few years later in 1857. These buildings were important gathering places for the community.

The Civil War's Impact on Green Forest

During the American Civil War, the town faced challenges. In June 1861, about 5,000 Confederate soldiers camped near the town. Later, in November 1863, Union soldiers burned much of the town. This event was part of the conflict between the North and South.

How Green Forest Got Its Name

After the war, the town was rebuilt. A new post office opened in 1867. John Grim became the postmaster. He had left a group of shade trees untouched on his farm. His neighbors started calling this area "Green Forest." Some people also called it "Grim's Forest."

Growth and Development in the Late 1800s

By 1889, Green Forest was growing. It had a cotton gin run by J. R. Hanby. The local newspaper, The Green Forest Tribune, started publishing in 1889. A large three-story school was built in 1893. This replaced an earlier, smaller schoolhouse.

Railroad and Fires Shape the Town

In 1901, a railroad line connected Eureka Springs to Harrison. This brought new businesses to Green Forest. Stores opened around the train depot. However, a big fire on September 20, 1902, destroyed several businesses. These included the Stone Hotel and a drug store.

School Buildings and Community Spirit

A new school building was built in 1905. It cost $5,000 to build. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire on August 8, 1905, before it could be used. The community quickly built another new school. Property owners helped pay for it.

A Story from Green Forest's Past

Around this time, a traveling preacher named Lester Sumrall held a revival. One night, a dramatic event happened during his sermon. A farmer shot a neighbor in front of the congregation. This led to many people joining the church. It helped start the First Assembly of God.

The Gold Rush That Wasn't

In 1906, some men claimed to find gold in Green Forest. They drilled a 140-foot well. Many investors rushed to profit. But it turned out the drillers were tricksters. There was no gold to be found.

Businesses and a Devastating Tornado

By 1927, Green Forest had many businesses. These included a bank, grocery stores, and a car dealership. However, a tornado in 1927 destroyed many businesses near the train depot. The main street survived, but the depot area was not rebuilt. The old train station was later patched up with parts from another depot. Today, the restored Green Forest train station is next to the city park.

Green Forest's Public Library

The public library in Green Forest opened in 1935. It is a branch of the Carroll And Madison Library System.

Green Forest's Location and Size

Green Forest is located in Carroll County. The city covers an area of about 6.38 square kilometers (2.46 square miles). All of this area is land, with no water.

People of Green Forest

The population of Green Forest was 2,972 people in 2020. This number comes from the 2020 United States census.

Population Changes Over Time

The city's population has changed a lot over the years. In 1880, only 34 people lived there. By 1900, the population grew to 469. It has continued to grow steadily since then.

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1880	34	—
1900	469	—
1910	635	35.4%
1920	868	36.7%
1930	745	−14.2%
1940	755	1.3%
1950	738	−2.3%
1960	1,038	40.7%
1970	1,354	30.4%
1980	1,609	18.8%
1990	2,050	27.4%
2000	2,717	32.5%
2010	2,761	1.6%
2020	2,972	7.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

Who Lives in Green Forest?

In 2020, there were 2,972 people living in Green Forest. There were 928 households and 651 families. The city is home to people from many different backgrounds. About 40.98% of the people were White (non-Hispanic). About 40.81% were Hispanic or Latino. Other groups included Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander people.

Green Forest racial composition
Race	Number	Percentage
White (non-Hispanic)	1,218	40.98%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	8	0.27%
Native American	12	0.4%
Asian	333	11.2%
Pacific Islander	73	2.46%
Other/Mixed	115	3.87%
Hispanic or Latino	1,213	40.81%

Education in Green Forest

Students in Green Forest attend public schools. These schools are part of the Green Forest School District.

Green Forest Schools

The school district includes several schools. There is Green Forest Elementary School. Then there is Green Forest Intermediate School. Students then go to Green Forest Middle School. Finally, they graduate from Green Forest High School.

Getting Around Green Forest

Green Forest is connected by several important roads.

Major Roads in Green Forest

U.S. Highway 62
Arkansas Highway 103
Arkansas Highway 311

Public Transportation Options

Jefferson Lines provides bus services.

Famous People from Green Forest

Several notable individuals were born in Green Forest.

Helen Gurley Brown was born here. She became a famous magazine publisher.
David Crockett Graham was also born in Green Forest. He was a missionary and anthropologist.
Bart Hester was born in Green Forest.

Green Forest, Arkansas facts for kids

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