Magnolia, Arkansas
Encyclopedia
Magnolia is a city in Columbia County
, Arkansas
, United States
, that was founded in 1853. At the time of its incorporation in 1858, the city had a population of about 1,950. The city grew slowly as an agricultural and regional cotton market until the discovery of oil just east of the city in March, 1938, with the Barnett #1 drilled by the Kerr-Lynn Company. The Magnolia Oil Field was an important discovery, not just for the city but for the nation, as it was the largest producing field (in volume) during the early years of World War II, helping to fuel the American war effort. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 10,951 according to the U.S. Census Bureau reports of 2009. The city is the county seat
of Columbia County
. It is also home to the World's Largest Charcoal Grill and the World Championship Steak Cookoff, part of the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
Magnolia is located in southwest Arkansas with an average altitude of 336 ft (102.4 m) above sea level according to NOAA. The heart of Southwest Arkansas (Miller Co., Lafayette Co., Columbia Co., Nevada Co., Little River Co., Hempstead Co., Sevier Co., Pike Co., Clark Co., and Howard Co.) has a mix of dense forest, farm prairies, and low rolling hills.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²), of which, 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²) of it is land and 0.11% is water.
Magnolia is located about 50 miles (80.5 km) east of Texarkana, about 225 miles (362.1 km) east of the Dallas-Ft.Worth metro area, about 135 miles (217.3 km) south of Little Rock and about 84 miles (135.2 km) north of Shreveport, Louisiana.
50.3 inches http://www.magnolia-ar.com. The winters are mild but can dip into the teens at night and have highs in the 30s and even some 20s but average out around 50. The Springs are warm and can be stormy with strong to severe storms average highs in the mid 70s. Summers are often hot and humid and dry but with occasional isolated afternoon storms, highs in the mid to upper 90s and even 100s. In the fall the temps cool from the 90s and 100s to 80s and 70s. Early fall temps are usually in the 80s but can reach 90s and at times has reached 100. Late fall temps fall to 70s and 60s. It is not uncommon to see snow and ice during the winter. It has been known to snow a few times as late as April and as early as November in Magnolia.
of 2000, there were 10,858 people, 4,204 households, and 2,577 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,165.3 people per square mile (449.8/km²). There were 4,821 housing units at an average density of 517.4 per square mile (199.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 58.24% White
, 39.38% Black
or African American
, 0.22% Native American
, 0.65% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.48% from other races
, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic
or Latino
of any race were 1.07% of the population.
There were 4,204 households out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples
living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. Of 4,204 households, 101 are unmarried partner households: 91 heterosexual, 4 same-sex male, 6 same-sex female households. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 16.8% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,897,as of 2005, and the median income for a family was $35,269. Males had a median income of $31,577 versus $20,840 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,403. About 15.2% of families and 23.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 17.7% of those age 65 or over.
, was founded. During World War II Magnolia became a heavy manufacturing city. In 1938 oil
and natural gas
was discovered near the city in what was called the Magnolia Oil Field; the largest producing field by volume in the nation during the war. The city soon became a producer in steel, lumber, aluminum, bromine, rubber coated products and fuel cells for the military.
Magnolia is also the home corporate office of Amfuel, which is the largest designer and fabricator of composite material products for aviation, aerospace, military ground forces, and commercial transport industries.
The town's primary economic focus is heavy industrial, including Albemarle Corporation's
Bromine Products Division (which has two facilities near town), Amfuel (which produces fuel cells for the military), and Sapa
's extruded aluminum products facility. Also located in the area are several oil and brine drilling companies, many of which are locally owned, and timber companies, such as Deltic and Weyerhaeuser
.
Major Industrial Employers: SAPA (750), Albemarle (739), Amfuel (380), CMC (344), Weyerhaeuser (250), Deltic Timber (125), Partee Flooring (95), and Southern Aluminum (90).
LARGEST EMPLOYERS/NON-MANUFACTURING
Magnolia Public School System, Education, 346
Southern Arkansas University, Higher Education, 304
Magnolia Hospital, Health Services, 253
Columbia County County, Government, 110
The unemployment rate in Magnolia, AR, is 9.40%, with job growth of -0.40%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 29.70%, according to Sterling's www.bestplaces.net/city/Magnolia-Arkansas.aspx. The U.S. unemployment rate average for the month of June is 9.2%, Arkansas' average is 7.2%.
Festival of Lights-Late November through Late December.
Magnolia is also known locally for its downtown shopping on the square and its natural beauty. One contributing factor to its beauty are the downtown murals, one of which was signed by Charlton Heston.
Magnolia has two school systems: Magnolia Public Schools (public), and Columbia Christian School(Private).
Graduation Rates- High school or higher: 75.4%, Bachelor's degree or higher: 24.1%, Graduate or professional degree: 7.0%.
Magnolia is the home of Southern Arkansas University
, a public university that offers four-year and advanced (Master's level) degrees in business, public administration, computer information systems, education, counseling, education administration, and criminal justice. With a student body of over 3,100, its most notable programs are agriculture, business, and education. The university's cultural focus is Harton Theatre, which provides a venue for both departmental plays, concerts, and local cultural events.
is a city-owned, public-use airport
located three nautical mile
s (6 km
) southeast of the central business district
of Magnolia.
Columbia County, Arkansas
Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 24,552. The county seat is Magnolia. Columbia County was formed on December 17, 1852, and was named for Christopher Columbus...
, Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, that was founded in 1853. At the time of its incorporation in 1858, the city had a population of about 1,950. The city grew slowly as an agricultural and regional cotton market until the discovery of oil just east of the city in March, 1938, with the Barnett #1 drilled by the Kerr-Lynn Company. The Magnolia Oil Field was an important discovery, not just for the city but for the nation, as it was the largest producing field (in volume) during the early years of World War II, helping to fuel the American war effort. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 10,951 according to the U.S. Census Bureau reports of 2009. The city is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Columbia County
Columbia County, Arkansas
Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2010, the population was 24,552. The county seat is Magnolia. Columbia County was formed on December 17, 1852, and was named for Christopher Columbus...
. It is also home to the World's Largest Charcoal Grill and the World Championship Steak Cookoff, part of the Magnolia Blossom Festival.
Geography
Magnolia is located at 33°16′27"N 93°14′1"W (33.274052, -93.233477).Magnolia is located in southwest Arkansas with an average altitude of 336 ft (102.4 m) above sea level according to NOAA. The heart of Southwest Arkansas (Miller Co., Lafayette Co., Columbia Co., Nevada Co., Little River Co., Hempstead Co., Sevier Co., Pike Co., Clark Co., and Howard Co.) has a mix of dense forest, farm prairies, and low rolling hills.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²), of which, 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²) of it is land and 0.11% is water.
Magnolia is located about 50 miles (80.5 km) east of Texarkana, about 225 miles (362.1 km) east of the Dallas-Ft.Worth metro area, about 135 miles (217.3 km) south of Little Rock and about 84 miles (135.2 km) north of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Government
The city operated under a city council form of government until 2003. Voters elected to convert the city to a strong-mayor form of government, making the mayor's position a full-time position with veto power. Lane Jean was elected mayor in 1996. The city employs approximately 50 individuals in 7 different departments, including the Police Department, the Fire Department, and Parks and Recreation.Climate
Average Temperature: 64°. Average Rainfall:50.3 inches http://www.magnolia-ar.com. The winters are mild but can dip into the teens at night and have highs in the 30s and even some 20s but average out around 50. The Springs are warm and can be stormy with strong to severe storms average highs in the mid 70s. Summers are often hot and humid and dry but with occasional isolated afternoon storms, highs in the mid to upper 90s and even 100s. In the fall the temps cool from the 90s and 100s to 80s and 70s. Early fall temps are usually in the 80s but can reach 90s and at times has reached 100. Late fall temps fall to 70s and 60s. It is not uncommon to see snow and ice during the winter. It has been known to snow a few times as late as April and as early as November in Magnolia.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 10,858 people, 4,204 households, and 2,577 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,165.3 people per square mile (449.8/km²). There were 4,821 housing units at an average density of 517.4 per square mile (199.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 58.24% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 39.38% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.65% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.48% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race were 1.07% of the population.
There were 4,204 households out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. Of 4,204 households, 101 are unmarried partner households: 91 heterosexual, 4 same-sex male, 6 same-sex female households. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 16.8% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,897,as of 2005, and the median income for a family was $35,269. Males had a median income of $31,577 versus $20,840 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $15,403. About 15.2% of families and 23.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 17.7% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Magnolia when it was founded was a cotton, farm production, and marketing town. Slowly the town grew and in 1909 the Third District Agricultural School, subsequently known as Magnolia A&M and Southern State College, now known as Southern Arkansas UniversitySouthern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution located in Magnolia, the seat of Columbia County in Arkansas, United States, not far from the Louisiana state line.-Location:Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia, which, as of the census...
, was founded. During World War II Magnolia became a heavy manufacturing city. In 1938 oil
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
was discovered near the city in what was called the Magnolia Oil Field; the largest producing field by volume in the nation during the war. The city soon became a producer in steel, lumber, aluminum, bromine, rubber coated products and fuel cells for the military.
Magnolia is also the home corporate office of Amfuel, which is the largest designer and fabricator of composite material products for aviation, aerospace, military ground forces, and commercial transport industries.
The town's primary economic focus is heavy industrial, including Albemarle Corporation's
Albemarle Corporation
Albemarle Corporation is a chemical company with corporate headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is a globally-recognized specialty chemical manufacturing enterprise.-History:...
Bromine Products Division (which has two facilities near town), Amfuel (which produces fuel cells for the military), and Sapa
Sapa
Sapa may refer to:* Sapë, a town in Albania* Roman Catholic Diocese of Sapë, one of six such diocese of Albania* SAPA - the national news agency of South Africa* Sapa Group, a Swedish-based aluminium company...
's extruded aluminum products facility. Also located in the area are several oil and brine drilling companies, many of which are locally owned, and timber companies, such as Deltic and Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world. It is the world's largest private sector owner of softwood timberland; and the second largest owner of United States timberland, behind Plum Creek Timber...
.
Major Industrial Employers: SAPA (750), Albemarle (739), Amfuel (380), CMC (344), Weyerhaeuser (250), Deltic Timber (125), Partee Flooring (95), and Southern Aluminum (90).
LARGEST EMPLOYERS/NON-MANUFACTURING
Magnolia Public School System, Education, 346
Southern Arkansas University, Higher Education, 304
Magnolia Hospital, Health Services, 253
Columbia County County, Government, 110
The unemployment rate in Magnolia, AR, is 9.40%, with job growth of -0.40%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 29.70%, according to Sterling's www.bestplaces.net/city/Magnolia-Arkansas.aspx. The U.S. unemployment rate average for the month of June is 9.2%, Arkansas' average is 7.2%.
Festivals
Magnolia is also home to the Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cookoff. The festival has been featured on the Food Network and attracts 40,000+ to the event.Festival of Lights-Late November through Late December.
Magnolia is also known locally for its downtown shopping on the square and its natural beauty. One contributing factor to its beauty are the downtown murals, one of which was signed by Charlton Heston.
Education
Magnolia High School is known for its boys' basketball teams winning 7 State Championships, 1 Overall State Championship (which is no longer played in Arkansas), and 19 conference titles. The most recent State Championship was in 1997 and the most recent appearance was in 2006. The recent conference titles were in 1999, 2006, and 2007. The Magnolia Panthers compete in [Arkansas Activities Association|Arkansas Activities Association's] 5A-Southwest conference. Magnolia is also frequently the lead school in test scores in southwest Arkansas. Since 1999 Magnolia High School gradutates have received well over $1 million in scholarship money each year, with the class of 2008 being first to reach $2 million in scholarship offers.Magnolia has two school systems: Magnolia Public Schools (public), and Columbia Christian School(Private).
Graduation Rates- High school or higher: 75.4%, Bachelor's degree or higher: 24.1%, Graduate or professional degree: 7.0%.
Magnolia is the home of Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution located in Magnolia, the seat of Columbia County in Arkansas, United States, not far from the Louisiana state line.-Location:Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia, which, as of the census...
, a public university that offers four-year and advanced (Master's level) degrees in business, public administration, computer information systems, education, counseling, education administration, and criminal justice. With a student body of over 3,100, its most notable programs are agriculture, business, and education. The university's cultural focus is Harton Theatre, which provides a venue for both departmental plays, concerts, and local cultural events.
Notable persons from Magnolia
- Harvey C. CouchHarvey C. CouchHarvey Crowley Couch, was an Arkansas entrepreneur who rose from very modest beginnings to control a regional utility and railroad empire...
, utility and railroad entrepreneur - Billy Joe DaughertyBilly Joe DaughertyBilly Joe Daugherty was founder and pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was also the founder of Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute and Victory World Missions Training Center. Nine hundred and eighty Victory Bible Institutes have been started in eighty-five...
(1952–2009) - minister & Protestant pastor - Andrew R. JohnsonA.R. Johnson (Louisiana politician)Andrew R. Johnson, known as A.R. Johnson , was a Democratic member of the Louisiana State Senate, who represented District 24 from 1916 to 1924....
(1856–1933), Louisiana state senatorLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
from 1916–1924 and mayor of HomerHomer, LouisianaHomer is present day parish seat of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, United States. The town was named after the Greek poet Homer and was laid out around the Courthouse Square in 1850 by Frank Vaughn. The present day brick courthouse, built in the Greek Revival style of architecture, is one of only...
taught school near Magnolia in the 1890s. - Sidney Sanders McMath, Governor of Arkansas
- Carl WaferCarl WaferCarl Wafer is a former defensive end in the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and would split that season between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers.-References:...
, former American football defensive end who played for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in 1974. - Roy GreenRoy GreenRoy Calvin Green is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League who played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Phoenix Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles ....
, former American football wide receiver in the National Football League who played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1979–1987), Phoenix Cardinals (1988–1990) and Philadelphia Eagles (1991–1992). - Charlaine HarrisCharlaine HarrisCharlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author who has been writing mysteries for over twenty years. She was born and raised in the Mississippi River Delta area of the United States. She now lives in southern Arkansas with her husband and three children...
, author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels - Robert Polk, former Army member, great person
Annexation
On January 12, 2007, Magnolia annexed 2325 acres (9.4 km²) east of the city, which includes approximately 1,100 people, increasing the population to 11,578. The city is expected to receive between $60,000-$70,000 in state turnbacks per year as a result. Population: 11,766 as of June 2007 according to the City of Magnolia (http://www.magnolia-ar.com).Transportation
Magnolia Municipal AirportMagnolia Municipal Airport
Magnolia Municipal Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport located three nautical miles southeast of the central business district of Magnolia, in Columbia County, Arkansas, United States.- Facilities and aircraft :...
is a city-owned, public-use airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
located three nautical mile
Nautical mile
The nautical mile is a unit of length that is about one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian, but is approximately one minute of arc of longitude only at the equator...
s (6 km
Kilometre
The kilometre is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one thousand metres and is therefore exactly equal to the distance travelled by light in free space in of a second...
) southeast of the central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
of Magnolia.
External links
- Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
- http://www.blossomfestival.org