Washington, Arkansas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Washington is a city in Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 148 at the 2000 census. It is also home to Old Washington Historic State Park.

1 Geography
2 History
3 Demographics
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Washington is located at 33°46′29″N, 93°40′53″W (33.774670, -93.681451)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²), all land.

[edit] History

From its establishment in 1824, Washington was an important stop on the rugged Southwest Trail for pioneers traveling to Texas. James Bowie, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett traveled through Washington. James Black, a local blacksmith, is credited with creating the legendary Bowie knife here. Later, the town became a major service center for area planters, merchants and professionals. Washington was the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1861-1865. Albert G. Simms (1882 - 1964), a United States Representative from New Mexico, was born here.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 148 people, 78 households, and 40 families residing in the city. The population density was 57.1/km² (147.6/mi²). There were 93 housing units at an average density of 35.9/km² (92.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 38.51% White and 61.49% Black or African American.

There were 78 households out of which 14.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.7% were non-families. 44.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.90 and the average family size was 2.58.

In the city the population was spread out with 14.9% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 72.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $19,375, and the median income for a family was $21,042. Males had a median income of $41,875 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,066. There were 10.8% of families and 18.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 25.0% of under eighteens and 21.7% of those over 64.