Conway, Arkansas

Not to be confused with Conway County, Arkansas.
Conway, Arkansas
City

Part of Conway's historic downtown
Nickname(s): City of Colleges
Motto: Unto the Whole Person

Location of Conway in Faulkner County
Conway, Arkansas

Location in the United States

Coordinates: 35°05′14″N 92°27′12″W / 35.08722°N 92.45333°W / 35.08722; -92.45333Coordinates: 35°05′14″N 92°27′12″W / 35.08722°N 92.45333°W / 35.08722; -92.45333
Country United States
State Arkansas
County Faulkner
Founded 1872
Incorporated October 16, 1875
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council
 • Mayor Tab Townsell
Area
 • City 45.59 sq mi (118.07 km2)
 • Land 45.34 sq mi (117.43 km2)
 • Water 0.25 sq mi (0.64 km2)
Elevation 312 ft (95 m)
Population (2010)
 • City 58,908
 • Estimate (2014) 64,490
 • Density 1,299/sq mi (501.6/km2)
 • Metro 729,135 (Little Rock - North Little Rock - Conway MSA 2,014 Estimate)
Demonym(s) Conwegian
Time zone CST (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP codes 72032, 72033, 72034, 72035
Area code(s) 501
FIPS code 05-15190
GNIS feature ID 0076661
Website www.cityofconway.org

Conway is a city in and the county seat of Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States.[1] The population was 58,908 at the 2010 census[2] and 64,490 at the 2014 population estimate,[3] making Conway the seventh most populous city in Arkansas. It is a principal city of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had 729,135 people in 2014 and with 902,443 people in the Combined area. Conway is home to three post-secondary educational institutions, earning it the nickname "The City of Colleges".

History

The city of Conway was founded by Asa P. Robinson, who came to the area shortly after the Civil War. Robinson was the chief engineer for the Little Rock-Fort Smith Railroad (now the Union Pacific). Part of his compensation was the deed to a tract of land, one square mile, located near the old settlement of Cadron. When the railroad came through, Robinson deeded a small tract of his land back to the railroad for a depot site. He laid off a town site around the depot and named it "Conway Station", in honor of a famous Arkansas family. Conway Station contained two small stores, two saloons, a depot, some temporary housing and a post office.[4] Despite being founded as a railroad town, there currently exists no passenger service. The disappearance of passenger rail service in the region is attributed to the emphasis placed on the automobile.[5]

In 1878, Father Joseph Strub, a priest in the Roman Catholic Holy Ghost Fathers, arrived in Arkansas. A native of Alsace-Lorraine, Strub was expelled from Prussia during the Kulturkampf in 1872. He moved to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, where he founded Duquesne University in October 1878. Difficulties with Bishop John Tuigg led Strub to leave Pittsburgh in late October 1878 to travel to Conway.[6] In 1879, Strub convinced the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad to deed 200,000 acres (810 km2) along the northern side of the Arkansas River to the Holy Ghost Fathers in order to found the St. Joseph Colony.[7] This included land on which Father Strub founded and built St. Joseph Catholic Church of Conway.[8] As part of the land deal, the railroad offered land at 20 cents per acre to every German immigrant. In order to attract Roman Catholic Germans to Conway and the surrounding areas, Father Strub wrote The Guiding Star for the St. Joseph Colony. In addition to extolling the qualities of Conway and the surrounding area, Father Strub provided information on how best to travel from Europe to Conway.[9] By 1889, over 100 German families had settled in Conway, giving the town many of its distinctively German street and business names.

Conway was long the home of the late Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice James D. Johnson[10] (1924- 2010), who ran unsuccessful races for governor in 1956 against then fellow Democrat Orval Eugene Faubus[11] and in 1966 against the Republican Winthrop Rockefeller.[12] Johnson, a leading segregation activist during the confrontation over forced integration at Little Rock Central High School, went on to switch affiliation to the Republican Party in the 1980s, after the death of his nemesis Rockefeller. Johnson also lost an important race in 1968 for the United States Senate against the incumbent James William Fulbright.[13] His wife, the late Virginia Johnson (1928- 2007), ran for governor in 1968, while he was running for U.S. Senate.[14]

Geography

Conway is located in southwestern Faulkner County at 35°05′14″N 92°27′12″W / 35.087336°N 92.453315°W / 35.087336; -92.453315.[15] Interstate 40 passes through the north and east sides of the city, with access from Exits 124 through 129. Via I-40, Little Rock is 30 miles (48 km) to the south, and Russellville is 47 miles (76 km) to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Conway has a total area of 45.6 square miles (118.1 km2), of which 45.3 square miles (117.4 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km2), or 0.54%, is water.[2]

Districts

Conway has two designated historic districts: the Asa P. Robinson Historic District and the Hendrix Addition Historic District.

Since 2000, downtown Conway has seen tens of millions of dollars in public and private investment. The revitalization has brought new retail, office, restaurant and residential construction to the historic downtown.

Downtown Conway at the intersection of Oak and Chestnut

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
18801,028—
18901,20717.4%
19002,00365.9%
19102,79439.5%
19204,56463.4%
19305,53421.3%
19405,7824.5%
19508,61048.9%
19609,79113.7%
197015,51058.4%
198020,37531.4%
199026,48130.0%
200043,16763.0%
201058,90836.5%
Est. 201464,4909.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
2014 Estimate[17]

As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 43,167 people, 16,039 households, and 10,168 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,231.7 people per square mile (475.5/km²). There were 17,289 housing units at an average density of 493.3 per square mile (190.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.0% White, 12.1% Black or African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.25% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. 3.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 16,039 households out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 22.4% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there are 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,063, and the median income for a family was $47,912. Males had a median income of $35,021 versus $25,418 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,509. About 9.3% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Conway is home to the following colleges and universities:

More than 36 percent of Conway's adult workforce holds a baccalaureate degree or higher, making it the third best-educated city in Arkansas with a population greater than 10,000, after Maumelle and Fayetteville.

UCA offers more than 100 undergraduate courses of study, 33 master's degree programs, and four doctoral programs for students to explore. More than 11,000 students from 66 different countries and 39 states are part of UCA's community.

There was also an Arkansas Beauty School in the city, but it is no longer in operation.

Conway is also home to two private schools: Conway Christian School and St. Joseph Catholic School.

Conway Public Schools

With more than 9,400 students, Conway Public School District is the eighth largest in Arkansas. The district has 16 schools: one high school (grades 10-12), one junior high school (grades 8-9), four middle schools (grades 5-7), nine elementary schools (grades K-4) and a pre-K center. In fall of 2012, Conway Public Schools opened a new elementary school and completed the construction of the new Conway High School campus.

Conway High School's mascot is the Wampus Cat, a fierce, fictional creature with six legs: "Four to run at the speed of light, two to fight with all its might."

Pre-K center:

Elementary schools:

Middle schools:

Construction of Conway High School

Junior high school:

High school:

Statistics

Cultural activities

Part of Conway's historic downtown

The Conway Symphony Orchestra performs many times throughout the year,[20] and the Conway Community Arts Association has been presenting theatre and other art opportunities to the community for over 40 years.[21] The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, based in Conway, is the state's only professional Shakespeare theater. It holds an annual summer festival in June.[22]

There are also art, music and theater opportunities provided by Conway's three colleges. The University of Central Arkansas's Public Appearances program provides dance, music, and theater offerings each year.

Conway Public Schools has theater and music programs, with large concert and marching bands that consistently receive high marks in regional competitions.

One of the city's largest annual events, Toad Suck Daze, has been held since 1982. The three-day community festival incorporates live music, food and craft vendors, and amusement rides during the first weekend of May. Proceeds from the festival fund college scholarships for local students.[23]

Conway is a popular sport-fishing destination and is home to largest man-made Game and Fish commission lake in the United States. Lake Conway, home to largemouth bass, crappie, gar, catfish, bream, bowfin, etc. The Arkansas Crappie Masters state tournament is held here every year.

The city held its first ever EcoFest September 12, 2009, in Laurel Park. EcoFest included exhibits and events relating to "green" and sustainable initiatives, including a cardboard car derby and an alleycat bicycle ride. According to organizers led by Debbie Plopper, the event was a success. Mayor Tab Townsell said the event indicated to him that "interest in sustainability is flourishing in this community."[24][25]

Business and industry

Downtown Conway

Conway was home to one of the world's largest school bus manufacturers, IC Corporation. The Conway plant was one of only two IC manufacturing plants; the other is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. IC Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation of Illinois. IC was previously known as American Transportation (AmTran) Corporation and Ward Body Works. The company was originally founded in 1933. IC Corporation closed its plant and moved all bus manufacturing operations to their Tulsa plant in 2010, largely due to incentives offered by the city of Tulsa.[26]

R. D. "Bob" Nabholz founded Nabholz Construction in Conway in 1949. It currently employs over 800 people and has been listed by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine as one of the Top 400 General Contractors every year since 1986. Currently the company is ranked #161.

Conway Corporation handles the local utilities (cable TV, Internet, and telephone services, in addition to electricity and water) for the city of Conway.

Acxiom Corporation, a global interactive marketing services company that uses consumer data, analytics, information technology, data integration, and consulting solutions to help companies conduct direct marketing programs, was founded in 1969 in Conway. Though it has its corporate headquarters in Little Rock, a large presence in Conway still remains.

On June 19, 2008, Hewlett-Packard announced it would be opening a 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) facility with 1,200 employees in 2009. The building, which will be owned by the Conway Development Corporation and leased to HP, will be located in The Meadows Office and Technology Park - on the southern outskirts of town,[27][28] and is built by Nabholz Construction.

Largest employers:[29]

Notable people

National recognition

Conway and the surrounding MSA has been recognized nationally for its quality of life and growing economy.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Conway has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[36]

References

  1. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  2. 1 2 "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Conway city, Arkansas". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 (PEPANNRES): Incorporated Places in Arkansas". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Faulkner County Historical Society: Conway". Faulkner County Historical Society. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  5. ↑ "Railroads". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
  6. ↑ After 131 years, Spiritans might leave Conway
  7. ↑ The story of the Holy Ghost Fathers and St. Joseph Church
  8. ↑ History of St. Joseph Catholic Church
  9. ↑ St. Joseph Colony
  10. ↑ Jones, William Jr. "Arkansas Courts Historical Background". Arkansas Judiciary. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  11. ↑ Schnedler, Jack. "Central High: A Look Back". Arkansasonline.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  12. ↑ "AR Governor - D Primary 1966". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  13. ↑ "AR US Senate - D Primary 1968". Our Campaign. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  14. ↑ "AR Governor - D Primary 1968". Our Campaign. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  15. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  16. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  18. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  19. ↑ "District Profile 2011-2012" (PDF). Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  20. ↑ "Conway Symphony Orchestra". Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  21. ↑ "About CCAA". Conway Community Arts Association. Retrieved 20 Apr 2015.
  22. ↑ "About Us". Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  23. ↑ Glover, Jeremy (2006-04-30). "Festival was Cabin editor's brainchild". Log Cabin Democrat. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  24. ↑ "Conway EcoFest". 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  25. ↑ Lamb, Joe (2009-09-12). "EcoFest draws big crowd". Log Cabin Democrat. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  26. ↑ "IC Bus Corporation To Lay Off Conway Workers". Retrieved 2009-12-04.
  27. ↑ https://www.google.com/maps/preview/place/HP/@35.0379027,-92.4278315,13z/data=!4m5!1m2!2m1!1shp+conway+ar!3m1!1s0x0:0xc16f2b4f45a97af1
  28. ↑ Lamb, Joe (2008-06-20). "HP cat out of bag, officially". Log Cabin Democrat. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  29. ↑ "Major Employers | Conway Development Corporation | Get Smart". www.developconway.org. Retrieved 2016-01-03.
  30. ↑ "Les Eaves's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Verna Elisha Howard (1911-2000)". therestorationmovement.com. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  32. ↑ Dao, James (January 21, 2010). "Man Claims Terror Ties in Little Rock Shooting". The New York Times. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  33. ↑ Mike Phelan, Mike Mount, and Terry Frieden (June 1, 2009). "Suspect arrested in Arkansas recruiting center shooting". CNN. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
  34. ↑ Dao, James (February 16, 2010). "A Muslim Son, a Murder Trial and Many Questions". Arkansas;Yemen: The New York Times. Retrieved June 23, 2010.
  35. ↑ "David Meeks, R-70". arkansashouse.org. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  36. ↑ Climate Summary for Conway, Arkansas

External links

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