by Steven Hanley (Author), Ray Hanley (Author)

First established by the French in 1686, Arkansas Post was the first permanent European settlement in the Mississippi River Valley. It played a key role in the long struggle between France, Spain, and England for control of the lucrative fur trade. The only battle of the American Revolution fought west of the Mississippi took place in Arkansas County. Located in the heart of the Grand Prairie, Stuttgart, one of two Arkansas County seats, is known as the "duck and rice capital of the world." Bayou Meto and several lakes draw waterfowl to the area each fall, and ducks flocking to Stuttgart attract hunters from across the nation. Each November, the community hosts the World Championship Duck Calling Contest.