Hidden among the rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains, Mount Ida is waiting to be discovered. As the capital of Montgomery County, this charming town offers a perfect mix of small-town peace and outdoor adventures. Come along with us as we explore Mount Ida, Arkansas.

Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>
via Wikimedia Commons

Historical Highlights

Mount Ida's roots date back to 1842 when Granville Whittington established the first post office in the area. He named the town after a hill near his former home in Massachusetts. The town has been through several name changes throughout its history. For a while, it was called Montgomery. It was also named Salem for a short while. But the name Mount Ida seems to have stuck.

During the Civil War, Mount Ida played an active role when two local businessmen raised a company of 128 men known as the Montgomery County Hunters. These men bravely marched out of Mount Ida July 17th, 1861 as towns people played homemade drums and fifes, taking homemade quilts, pots and pans and an assortment of rifles, mostly flintlocks, squirrel guns and a few double barrel shotguns. Very few returned home, most were killed in the war.

In his memoir, Captain Lavender recounted his last orders received in December 1864: "to hold them woods at all hazards and we did hold it until we was completely surrounded and over powered…. nearly all killed, wounded and captured"

The towns people who stayed behind faced a lot food shortages and raids from renegades. It was a very difficult time.

Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>,
via Wikimedia Commons

Economic Evolution

Mount Ida's economy has transformed over the years:

  • 1880s: A silver mining boom brought prosperity to the area.

  • 1920s: The town’s business district included general stores, sawmills, and hotels.

  • 1950s: The creation of Lake Ouachita boosted tourism in the region.

  • Present day: The economy relies on cattle, poultry, timber, mining, and tourism

Tiffani Sineath from Shreveport, LA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Activities

Mount Ida is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers:

Ken Lund https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlund/71855003
View of Ouachita Mountains from Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (Looking North)

Local Attractions

By Brandonrush - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45946036

Real Estate Opportunities

Mount Ida offers a diverse range of real estate options for those looking to call this charming town home:

  • Wooded lots with scenic mountain views

  • Pasture and farmland for agricultural enthusiasts

  • Quiet country properties for those seeking solitude

  • Small-town living options in the heart of Mount Ida

  • Lakeside and gated communities near Lake Ouachita

Whether you're looking for a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, Mount Ida's real estate market has something to offer for every taste and budget.

Mount Ida's combination of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing access to outdoor recreation and community spirit.

Looking for a home or land in Mount Ida, Arkansas? Here’s what currently on the market: Homes for sale in Mount Ida