El Dorado

El Dorado is the county seat of Union County in southern Arkansas, sitting at an elevation of 270 feet (82 meters) above sea level. The courthouse built in 1928 stands at the center, surrounded by restored buildings from the 1930s that form the core of downtown.

The discovery of oil in 1921 transformed the small settlement into an economic center, leading to rapid population growth during the following years. The construction boom that followed shaped the present downtown with its buildings from that era.

The Murphy Arts District features multiple performance spaces, galleries, and entertainment venues that support local artists and host regional music festivals throughout the year.

The Murphy Arts District sits in the center and can be explored on foot, with most facilities accessible during daytime hours. Guided walking tours of the historical district are available and highlight the architecture from the oil boom period.

The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources displays original equipment, photographs, and items from the 1920s that document the oil boom years. Visitors can see drilling rigs and tools that were used during the first oil production in the region.

Location: Union County

Inception: 1843

Elevation above the sea: 82 m

Website: http://eldoradoar.org

GPS coordinates: 33.21361,-92.66250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:28