History of El Dorado
El Dorado is the largest urban area in South Central Arkansas and is nicknamed the “oil capital of Arkansas” and the “City of Gold.” Although it is best known for the discovery of oil in 1921 at the Busey Well, its history goes back much farther in time.
In November 1541, the famed Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto (accompanied by 500 men) established camp on a hill not far from what is now El Dorado.
In 1819, the United States Congress named Arkansas a territory. Union County was formed in 1829.
In 1830, Matthew F. Rainey (whose wagon broke down in the area) founded El Dorado.
According to local folklore, Rainey (who was originally from Virginia) was unable to travel farther and was forced to sell his goods on the spot. Rainey eventually set up a store and was regarded as El Dorado’s first citizen and first businessman.
El Dorado grew and prospered as a town with the arrival of the railroad in 1891. However, the event that would forever change the landscape of the town was the discovery of oil in 1921. Within days of the discovery, air service had been established between El Dorado and Shreveport, Louisiana, and 22 trains were running in and out of town each day. The population swelled to an all-time high of 30,000 in 1925.
Today, El Dorado continues to rely on oil production as an important part of the city’s economic base.
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- El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
- Community Introduction
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