Alma, city in Arkansas, USA
Alma is a small city in Crawford County, Arkansas, covering about 5.7 square miles with a population around 5,800 residents. The downtown area features simple streets lined with local shops, cafes, and a central park where community events are held.
Alma was founded in 1872 when early settlers purchased land from the government and began farming operations. Growth accelerated in the late 1800s after a railroad line was built through town, enabling shipment of cotton and timber to distant markets.
The town was once known as the Spinach Capital of the World due to its canning industry, and this legacy remains visible today. A large Popeye statue stands as a reminder of this unusual chapter, celebrating the crop that once defined the local economy.
The city sits on Interstate 40, Interstate 540, and US Highway 71, making it easy to reach by car. Visitors will find hotels, an aquatic park, a golf course, restaurants, and a farmers market, with Fort Smith just 15 miles away and Fayetteville about 45 miles north.
During World War II, Alma became famous for its canning plants that processed spinach, earning the title Spinach Capital of the World. The town also holds an unusual place in American crime history, connected to an encounter with outlaws Bonnie and Clyde that resulted in the death of a deputy marshal.
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