Booneville

History

The city was founded in 1828 when Walter Cauthron, an early explorer of the Arkansas Territory, built a log cabin and store along the Petit Jean River. By some accounts, he intended to name the community as "Bonneville" for friend Benjamin Bonneville, but the spelling and name were later changed. Another theory is that the name was to honor Daniel Boone, a friend of the Logan family for whom the county is named. On March 23, 2008, a fire set off multiple explosions at the Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Booneville. According to local authorities the explosions caused an ammonia gas leak that forced 180 people from their homes. There were no reported injuries of the accident. The fire was reportedly started from an accident caused by welders doing repairs on fans in a freezer section. The Cargill Meat plant was the town's largest employer at the time of the explosions.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. Booneville is near Blue Mountain Lake, a lake popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Five United States Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas are available for public lake access. At the east end of the lake, the Blue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area is a world-class bird-dog field area. This area also hosts visitors interested in hiking, birding, and mountain bike riding.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• BOONEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · BOONEVILLE · 766 students · 18.2:1 ratio
• BOONEVILLE JR HIGH SCHOOL
  Middle · BOONEVILLE · 335 students · 12.9:1 ratio
• MAGAZINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · MAGAZINE · 284 students · 12.9:1 ratio
• BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
  High · BOONEVILLE · 243 students · 6.8:1 ratio
• J.D. LEFTWICH HIGH SCHOOL
  High · MAGAZINE · 209 students · 7.5:1 ratio