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Hope, Arkansas

A Comprehensive Profile of a Southern Community. Exploring its history, geography, climate, demographics, notable figures, and local economy.

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Community Overview

City Essentials

Hope is a city situated in Hempstead County, within the southwestern region of Arkansas, United States. It holds the distinction of being the county seat of Hempstead County and serves as the principal city of the Hope Micropolitan Statistical Area. Founded in 1875, Hope has grown to become a significant community in its region.

Notable Connections

Hope is famously recognized as the birthplace of three prominent Arkansas governors: Bill Clinton (who later served as the 42nd President of the United States), Mike Huckabee (a former presidential candidate), and Sarah Huckabee Sanders (the current governor). This connection lends a unique historical and political significance to the city.

Key Information

Motto: "A Slice of the Good Life" / "I still believe in a place called Hope"
Founded: 1875
Population (2020): 8,952
Coordinates: 33ยฐ40โ€ฒ35โ€ณN 93ยฐ35โ€ฒ24โ€ณW
Website: www.hopearkansas.net

Historical Foundations

Origins and Naming

The origins of Hope trace back to 1873, coinciding with the construction of a railroad through the area. The settlement was officially named Hope in honor of Hope Loughborough, the daughter of a railroad executive, embedding a personal connection into the town's identity.

Railroad Development

Further solidifying its role as a transportation hub, the St. Louis, San Francisco and New Orleans Railroad extended its lines into Hope during the 1902-1903 period. This line continues to be operated today by the Kiamichi Railroad, underscoring the enduring importance of rail infrastructure to the town's development.

Early Streetscape

Historical records and photographs from the early 20th century, such as those from circa 1904, depict street scenes that offer a glimpse into the town's early commercial and social life, reflecting the period's architectural styles and urban planning.

Geographic Landscape

Area and Water Features

According to the United States Census Bureau, Hope encompasses a total area of approximately 10.76 square miles (27.87 kmยฒ). Of this total, 10.68 square miles (27.67 kmยฒ) consist of land, with a minimal 0.077 square miles (0.20 kmยฒ), or about 0.74%, being water.

Elevation

The city of Hope is situated at an elevation of 351 feet (107 meters) above sea level. This elevation contributes to the regional topography and influences local climate patterns.

Location Context

Hope is strategically located in Hempstead County, in the southwestern part of Arkansas. Its position within the state is visualized on maps showing Arkansas counties and the broader United States, highlighting its regional connectivity.

Climate Characteristics

Subtropical Conditions

Hope experiences a humid subtropical climate, classified as Cfa under the Kรถppen climate classification system. This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters, with distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Hope's climate data, including average temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall, based on normals from 1991-2020 and historical extremes.

Climate data for Hope, Arkansas (1991โ€“2020 normals, extremes 1892โ€“present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) 88
(31)
87
(31)
95
(35)
97
(36)
98
(37)
110
(43)
115
(46)
115
(46)
108
(42)
101
(38)
90
(32)
83
(28)
115
(46)
Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 53.3
(11.8)
57.9
(14.4)
65.8
(18.8)
73.9
(23.3)
80.8
(27.1)
88.1
(31.2)
92.1
(33.4)
92.5
(33.6)
86.4
(30.2)
76.0
(24.4)
64.2
(17.9)
55.6
(13.1)
73.9
(23.3)
Daily mean ยฐF (ยฐC) 42.4
(5.8)
46.2
(7.9)
53.8
(12.1)
61.6
(16.4)
70.2
(21.2)
77.7
(25.4)
81.5
(27.5)
81.0
(27.2)
74.6
(23.7)
63.2
(17.3)
52.2
(11.2)
44.6
(7.0)
62.4
(16.9)
Mean daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 31.5
(โˆ’0.3)
34.5
(1.4)
41.7
(5.4)
49.3
(9.6)
59.5
(15.3)
67.4
(19.7)
70.9
(21.6)
69.5
(20.8)
62.7
(17.1)
50.4
(10.2)
40.3
(4.6)
33.6
(0.9)
50.9
(10.5)
Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) โˆ’8
(โˆ’22)
โˆ’7
(โˆ’22)
9
(โˆ’13)
26
(โˆ’3)
35
(2)
45
(7)
53
(12)
50
(10)
34
(1)
25
(โˆ’4)
13
(โˆ’11)
2
(โˆ’17)
โˆ’8
(โˆ’22)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.28
(109)
4.52
(115)
5.10
(130)
5.63
(143)
5.84
(148)
4.26
(108)
3.78
(96)
3.49
(89)
3.99
(101)
4.94
(125)
4.42
(112)
5.44
(138)
55.69
(1,415)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 1.3
(3.3)
0.5
(1.3)
0.1
(0.25)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.2
(0.51)
2.1
(5.3)
Average precipitation days (โ‰ฅ 0.01 in) 10.6 9.8 10.3 9.2 9.8 8.0 7.2 6.5 6.4 7.8 9.5 9.6 104.7
Average snowy days (โ‰ฅ 0.1 in) 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.0
Source: NOAA

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Hope's population has seen fluctuations over the decades. The 2020 census recorded 8,952 residents, a decrease from the 2010 census figure of 10,095. The estimated population for 2024 is 8,465, indicating a continued downward trend. Historically, the town experienced significant growth in the early 20th century, with notable increases recorded in 1910 and 1920.

The table below details the population changes in Hope, Arkansas, based on U.S. Decennial Census data and recent estimates.

Historical population
CensusPop.%ยฑ
18801,233โ€”
18901,93757.1%
19001,644โˆ’15.1%
19103,639121.4%
19204,79031.6%
19306,00825.4%
19407,47524.4%
19508,60515.1%
19608,399โˆ’2.4%
19708,8305.1%
198010,29016.5%
19909,643โˆ’6.3%
200010,61610.1%
201010,095โˆ’4.9%
20208,952โˆ’11.3%
2024 (est.)8,465โˆ’5.4%

Racial Composition (2020)

The demographic makeup of Hope in 2020 was diverse, with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups. The data indicates the following distribution:

This table outlines the racial composition of Hope, Arkansas, as recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Hope racial composition
RaceNum.Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)2,53028.26%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)3,95044.12%
Native American250.28%
Asian250.28%
Pacific Islander40.04%
Other/Mixed3013.36%
Hispanic or Latino2,11723.65%

Households and Families

In 2000, Hope comprised 3,961 households, with an average household size of 2.61 individuals and an average family size of 3.20. Approximately 29.3% of households consisted of individuals living alone, and 13.8% were seniors aged 65 or older. The city's population distribution showed 28.9% under 18, 10.8% aged 18-24, 27.3% aged 25-44, 18.4% aged 45-64, and 14.6% aged 65 and over, with a median age of 32.

Economic Identity

The Watermelon Capital

Hope is renowned for its cultivation of watermelons, frequently producing record-breaking specimens. The city proudly holds the title of "Watermelon Capital of the World," a distinction celebrated annually through the Watermelon Festival, held during the second week of August. The watermelon motif is prominently featured in the municipal logo and the city's adopted slogan, "A Slice of the Good Life," symbolizing its agricultural heritage and community pride.

Educational Institutions

Public School System

Public education within Hope is primarily managed by the Hope School District. This district provides comprehensive K-12 education through several institutions, including William Jefferson Clinton Primary School (K-4), Beryl Henry Elementary School (5-6), Henry C. Yerger Middle School (7-8), and Hope High School (9-12). Additionally, the Hope Academy of Public Service (HAPS) offers education from grades 5-12.

Private and Higher Education

For private education, Garrett Memorial Christian School, affiliated with Garrett Memorial Baptist Church, serves the community. Post-secondary educational opportunities are available through the University of Arkansas at Hope, providing accessible higher education options for residents.

Surrounding Districts

It is noteworthy that the Spring Hill School District, while using a Hope postal address, operates its facilities outside the immediate city limits, serving a broader geographical area.

Local Media Landscape

Digital and Print News

Hope's local media ecosystem includes two primary social media news outlets: SWARK.Today and HopePrescott. HopePrescott also publishes the city's local newspaper, ensuring community news dissemination through both digital and traditional print channels.

Radio Presence

The city is supported by at least three local radio stations, providing diverse programming and local information to residents. While there are no local television stations based in Hope, the city is served by television markets from nearby Little Rock, Shreveport, and Texarkana.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Airport History

Hope Municipal Airport, originally part of the Southwestern Proving Ground during World War II, was a significant military facility. At its inception, it claimed the third-longest runway in the United States. Post-war, the facility was transferred to the City of Hope in 1947. Notably, the airport site later became associated with Paul Klipsch, founder of Klipsch speakers, and was utilized by FEMA for housing manufactured homes after Hurricane Katrina.

Rail Service

In a significant development for regional connectivity, Amtrak added Hope to its service timetable in October 2009, with operations commencing on April 4, 2013. The Texas Eagle route now provides daily service in both directions between Chicago and San Antonio, enhancing transportation options for the city.

Notable Residents

Political Figures

Hope is intrinsically linked to American political history as the hometown of:

  • Bill Clinton: 42nd U.S. President and former Governor of Arkansas. His childhood home is preserved as a historic site.
  • Mike Huckabee: Former Governor of Arkansas and presidential candidate.
  • Sarah Huckabee Sanders: Current Governor of Arkansas and daughter of Mike Huckabee.
  • Mack McLarty: Former White House Chief of Staff.
  • Joseph Barton Elam: Former U.S. Congressman.
  • Tilman Bacon Parks: 20th-century Congressman.
  • Shirley Weber: California Secretary of State.
  • Kelly Bryant: Former Arkansas Secretary of State.
  • David L. Armstrong: Former Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky.

Cultural and Business Figures

The city's notable figures also extend to cultural and business realms:

  • Vince Foster: Attorney.
  • Paul Klipsch: Inventor of the Klipschorn speaker and founder of Klipsch Audio Technologies, which still manufactures products in Hope.
  • Ken Duke: PGA Tour golfer.
  • Ketty Lester: Actress and vocalist.
  • Melinda Dillon: Actress.
  • Gary Dee: Talk radio host.
  • Jeremy Wise: Navy SEAL and CIA Contractor.
  • Mike Ross: Former U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 4th congressional district.

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hope, Arkansas
  2.  Mike Huckabee, From Hope to Higher Ground, New York: Center Street Publishers, 2007, pp. 3รขย€ย“4
A full list of references for this article are available at the Hope, Arkansas Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding local history, demographics, or community development. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.