Melbourne Arkansas
History
Melbourne, Arkansas, has a rich history as the county seat of Izard County since 1875. The area was first settled before 1820, and a post office named Mill Creek was established in 1854. As county boundaries shifted in 1873, a push to relocate the county seat led to Melbourne’s founding. The town was officially incorporated on May 4, 1878.
Early businesses included a mercantile store, hotels, stables, and a steam grist mill. Melbourne also had several newspapers, with the Melbourne Clipper starting in 1873 and later becoming the Izard County Register. The town grew steadily, with the completion of highways in 1925 improving accessibility. By 1928, Melbourne had its first electricity-generating plant and an ice plant.
Today, Melbourne remains a governmental and commercial center and is home to Ozarka College, a regional educational institution.
Melbourne Arkansas Links
“People in small towns, much more than in cities, share a destiny.”
– Richard Russo Author.Various including – Bridge of Sighs and Empire Falls
Joseph Highfill
Site Designer
City Contact Information
Melbourne is a wonderful small community in North Central Arkansas.
PO Box 800, Melbourne AR 72556
870-368-4215