Jonesboro, Arkansas/Introduction

Jonesboro is a city in Northeast Arkansas. With a population of more than 80,000, Jonesboro is the fifth-largest city in Arkansas by population.

Dean B. Ellis Library at Arkansas State University
Credits: Zereshk

The land that is now encompassed by Jonesboro was first inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before European discovery. Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto ventured into Northeast Arkansas in the mid-16th century and made contact with local indigenous groups. In 1682, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier laid a vast claim of land in North America, including modern-day Jonesboro, for France; this territory was known as Louisiana, named for King Louis XIV. In 1762, France and Spain signed a treaty which transferred Louisiana to Spain. In 1800, Napoleon forced Spain to retreat, and reclaimed the territory for France. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase transferred the territory to the United States.

Jonesboro was founded on February 19, 1859 — the same day on which Craighead County, in which Jonesboro is located, was established.

Jonesboro is home to several esteemed institutions, including Arkansas State University. It is the epicenter of Northeast Arkansas' culture and economy, as well as the capital of healthcare and education in the region. Jonesboro is situated south of Paragould, another populous city in the region.