Culture and history

Saline County was formed in 1835 from parts of Pulaski and Hempstead counties. Its name derives from early salt works in the area that supplied salt to much of Arkansas and shipped salt to Tennessee, Louisiana, and east Texas. William E. Woodruff, founder of the Arkansas Gazette, once had the license to operate a salt works, conditional upon selling his product for no more that $1.50 a bushel.

Arkansas once accounted for 97 percent of the country's production of bauxite, used to make aluminum, and most of that came from Saline County. When state geologist John C. Branner discovered the ore in 1887, a work crew was using it to surface a new road.

Bauxite was a unique town in the county and the state. It was a company town, established in 1903 by the Pittsburgh Reduction Company of Pennsylvania (later known as ALCOA). During the 64 years of existence as a company town, all inhabitants of the town were in the employ of the company. Aluminum ore mining, smelting and metallic aluminum production as well as alumina production has played an important roll in the local economic activities.

Bauxite and lignite mining has underpinned Saline County's economy ever since. But volatility in the aluminum industry has encouraged more diversification in recent years.

Benton is the geographical center of the state and the County seat. You will find the air of small town friendliness, as you walk the downtown square and listen to the chimes of the old clock towering at the top of the court house. You can enjoy the scenic Saline River, or get away to the Ouachita National Park, numerous lakes and impressive residential development. Saline Memorial Hospital's primary campus is located in Benton.

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The City of Bryant is Arkansas’ fastest growing City. Its location relative to Little Rock affords it access to the amenities of a large metropolitan area. Bryant is home to the new Saline County Regional Airport with over 700 acres of prime industrial development property. Retail development with the recently opened Alcoa Exchange is one of the most significant recent developments. It hosts a variety of major national retailers.

Haskell, located in close proximity to Interstate 30 is experiencing steady growth. It too offers a small town atmosphere with significant residential development. Additionally, it is home to one of Saline County’s largest employers, Rineco.

Hot Springs Village is America's Largest Gated Community. "The Village" offers 9 golf courses, 12 lakes, 3 seasonal outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool and fitness center that includes an indoor walking track, 16 tennis courts, 2 country clubs, and over 20 miles of nature trails. All of these things make Hot Springs Village, Arkansas the perfect place for you to come play, or stay for a lifetime.

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The Saline River, which begins in the mountains of northern Saline County, is the only major free-flowing stream in the Ouachita River Basin and popular for both floating and fishing. The county's portion of the Winona Wildlife Management Area offers rugged, mountainous hunting and sightseeing. The Lake Winona Research Natural Area is located in the Fourche Mountains area of the Ouachita Mountains Natural Division. This forest of old-growth pines and hardwoods has been given special management status and a portion designated a National Natural Landmark.