Tucked away in Conway County, Morrilton is a charming small town with a rich history and a bright future. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about this delightful community, let's explore what makes Morrilton special.

Moose Street at Morrilton (Conway County); circa early twentieth century.

Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Central Arkansas Library System

History and Heritage

In 1820, Major William Lewis and his son, Stephen D. Lewis, settled approximately a mile south of where Morrilton stands today. Five years later, they opened a trading post, naming the emerging town Lewisburg. Thanks to its prime location on the Arkansas River, Lewisburg flourished, attracting a significant population and a variety of businesses, including two newspapers and an opera house. The town's first school operated out of a Masonic lodge.

The Trail of Tears

Between November and December 1836, during the Trail of Tears, Native Americans, overseen by the Pope County militia, passed through the Point Remove Bottoms area, west of today's Morrilton, en route to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Local white farmers and merchants capitalized on this migration by selling food and supplies, mainly corn, to the travelers or directly to the U.S. government, which was tasked with provisioning the migrants.

Civil War and the Gilded Age

The Civil War era saw significant division within Lewisburg and Conway County. The Confederacy managed to form five companies in the region, while the Union formed three. Although the area did not witness major battles, it saw quite a bit of guerrilla warfare.

From 1854 to 1860, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad surveyed a rail route about a mile north of Lewisburg. The area along the proposed route was named Morrilton, in honor of farmer E. J. Morrill, who sold land to the railroad company for a future depot. The railroad reached Morrilton in 1871, and a train depot was built in 1910.

Over time, residents relocated from Lewisburg to Morrilton, leading to Lewisburg's abandonment around 1880. Morrilton became the county seat of Conway County in 1883. The town's strategic location on the Arkansas River contributed to its growth as a center for agriculture and commerce. Today, Morrilton proudly preserves its heritage while embracing modern development.

S. W. Simpson & Son store in downtown Morrilton (Conway County); 1910. Horse and wagon

Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Central Arkansas Library System

Real Estate Market

The Morrilton housing market offers excellent value for potential homebuyers. As of May 2024, the median listing home price in Morrilton is $162,400, making it an affordable option for families and individuals alike. The market has shown recent growth, with a 25.7% increase in median price since the previous month, indicating a strong and dynamic real estate environment

Downtown Morrilton, Arkansas
Brandonrush, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Neighborhoods and Housing Options

Morrilton offers a variety of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. From historic homes in the downtown area to newer developments on the outskirts, there's something for everyone. Currently, there are lots of homes for sale in Morrilton, providing ample choices for prospective buyers

Cid.williams, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Education

The South Conway County School District serves Morrilton, providing quality education to the community's youth. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular activities, making Morrilton an attractive location for families with school-age children.

Here's an overview of the district and its schools: The district is committed to delivering quality education and focuses on academic excellence. It comprises several schools catering to different grade levels:

1. Morrilton Elementary School: This school serves younger students and has received recognition for its performance. U.S. News Education provides data on its student population, enrollment information, and test scores.

2. Morrilton Intermediate School: This school bridges the gap between elementary and middle school education.

3. Morrilton Junior High School: Catering to middle school students, this institution prepares them for high school.

4. Morrilton High School: The district's main high school, preparing students for higher education and future careers.

The South Conway County School District has a total of 6 public schools. In addition to these, Morrilton also has 2 private schools and 1 post-secondary institution, offering a variety of educational options for families.

The district's administration is located at 704 East Church Street in Morrilton. Parents and students can find more detailed information about individual schools, including rankings, test scores, and reviews, through resources like Public School Review and GreatSchools.

Overall, the South Conway County School District aims to provide a comprehensive education system for Morrilton's youth, with options spanning from elementary to high school levels, complemented by private and post-secondary choices.

Don J Schulte |
Cedar Falls, Petit Jean State Park
The afternoon sun hits Cedar Falls, Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas.

Places to Visit

Petit Jean State Park: Just a short drive from Morrilton, this stunning park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley.

1. Museum of Automobiles: Car enthusiasts will love this unique museum featuring vintage and classic automobiles.

2. Winthrop Rockefeller Institute: Located atop Petit Jean Mountain, this educational center offers workshops, seminars, and beautiful views.

3. Main Street Morrilton: Explore the charming main street with its local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Events and Festivals

Morrilton hosts several annual events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the notable ones:

1. Wildflower Weekend: Held in early April at Petit Jean State Park, this event features wildflower walks, demonstrations, and green games.

2. Antique Auto Show & Swap Meet: This annual car show takes place in mid-June at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain.

3. Fall Antique Auto Swap Meet: Another event for car enthusiasts, held in late September at the Museum of Automobiles.

4. Petit Jean Mountain Rendezvous: Occurring on the weekend after Thanksgiving at Petit Jean State Park, this event allows visitors to learn about the skills of mountain men and Native Americans.

5. Christmas in Downtown Morrilton: This festive event features a Christmas light show at the Depot, synchronized to classic Christmas songs. It typically runs from the first week of December through New Year's Eve.

6. Annual Musical Theatre Camp: While not specific to Morrilton, this event is held nearby at the HB White Auditorium from July 15-19.

These events showcase Morrilton's rich cultural heritage, love for automobiles, and appreciation for nature. They provide opportunities for both residents and visitors to engage in community activities, learn about local history, and enjoy the town's attractions throughout the year

Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Old Train Depot Constructed in 1915 and listed on the NRHP.
Morrilton, Arkansas

Whether you're drawn to Morrilton's small-town charm, affordable housing, or natural beauty, this welcoming community has much to offer. With its strong real estate market and rich quality of life, Morrilton is an excellent choice for those looking to put down roots in the Natural State.

Looking for a home in Morrilton? Here is what’s currently on the market: Homes for sale in Morrilton.