Yellville was originally founded in 1835 under the name of Shawneetown for the Indian villages located here. It wasn't until statehood was achieved and new counties were formed in 1836 that Yellville was provided with its current moniker.
The name was designated in honor of the first member of the House of Representatives to come from Arkansas as well as its second governor, Archibald Yell. A legend has been handed down that Mr. Yell wanted the new town named in his honor and offered the city's founding fathers $50 as a way of convincing them to do so. They indeed named it Yellville but never received the $50.
The name Yell can also be seen in a number of other areas across Arkansas, such as Yell County and Archibald Yell Boulevard in Fayetteville.
The Ozark Mountains provide a wonderful retreat for people in search of clean air and clear water. The area is one of the most pollution-free in the nation, according to a panel of experts assembled by the Washington Post.
Yellville's average highs climb to 93 degrees in July and August. Its average lows dip down to 22 degrees in January.
Marion County is a modern community of about 16,000 people, offering all the amenities expected of contemporary rural America. Fine residences on paved tree-lined streets vie with pleasant lakeview cottages and country estates for the affections of homeseekers. Businesses of all sorts, restaurants and a widevariety of services cater to our needs.
Baxter County Regional Hospital is a modern 151-bed hospital that is currently undergoing expansion to 192 beds. Baxter Regional Medical Center serves the area's health care needs from 24 miles away in Mountain Home.
A 105-bed nursing home also provides emergency service to the community. Many active church congregations and over a dozen fraternal and service organizations serve spiritual and social needs.
Education is excellent, with three A-rated schools and the School of New Hope for special students. Yellville plays host to three public schools which serve local education needs.
We offer 2 higher education opportunities within 25 minutes or less - North Arkansas College in Harrison and Arkansas State of Mountain Home. Many higher education options are available within 90 minutes of driving or less. These include Arkansas Tech University, Southwest Missouri State University, Drury University, the University of Central Arkansas, Ozarks Technical Community College, Harding University and Arkansas State University - Beebe Branch.
Industry has discovered this lovely Ozarks playground, and care has been taken to ensure that our local factories are "clean industries" that do not contaminate the environment. Ozark-based companies rank among the nation's leaders in wood products, furniture, fiberglass boats, clothing, foods, televisions and aerospace parts.
Marion County's industries are centered mostly in and around Yellville, the county seat. Among their products are shirts, plastic molding, nylon hardware, fiberglass boats and electronics.
World renowned Ranger Boats, founded by native son Forrest Wood, is also located here.
New industry is attracted by abundant natural resources, including forests and large lead deposits. An excellent transportation system includes US 62 & 412 (major highway across northern Arkansas), which intersects with State 14 at Yellville. Both Marion County and Harrison, 28 miles west, have airport terminals. Springfield, Missouri, is 90 miles north and Little Rock, the state capital, is 135 miles south.
Yellville's own Turkey Trot Festival has been an annual tradition since 1946. It is held on the second weekend of October with the best-known attraction being the drop of live turkeys from airplanes over the town square.
Other features of the festival include a Miss Turkey Trot Pageant, live music, turkey dinners, a parade, a 5-kilometer run, a turkey-calling contest and various turkey-related arts and crafts.
Buffalo National River and Bull Shoals Lake offer tons of water-based recreation. Buffalo River is one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The river also has 3 designated wilderness areas within its boundaries. Activities and services offered along the river and its shores include horseback trail riding, canoeing and cabin rentals. Bull Shoals Lake is a water sports paradise. Almost 1,000 miles of pristine shoreline is open to visitors from all over the nation who come to fish, scuba dive, houseboat, water ski, wake board, camp or just relax.
Whether you like the great outdoors or want to have fun with friendly neighbors, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.