El Dorado, Arkansas

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = El Dorado, Arkansas
| official_name          = 
| settlement_type        = City
| image_skyline          = ChrisLitherlandElDorado.jpg
| imagesize              = 250px
| image_caption          = Jefferson Street in downtown El Dorado's Union Square District
| image_seal             = 
| image_map              = File:Union County Arkansas Incorporated and Unincorporated areas El Dorado Highlighted 0521070.svg
| mapsize                = 250x200px
| map_caption            = Location of El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas.
| pushpin_map            = Arkansas
| subdivision_type       = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type1      = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of counties in Arkansas|County]]
| subdivision_name       = United States
| subdivision_name1      = [[Arkansas]]
| subdivision_name2      = [[Union County, Arkansas|Union]]
| population_demonym     = El Doradoans
| established_title      = Founded
| established_date       = {{Start date and age|1843|p=fy}}
| established_title1     = Established
| established_date1      = {{Start date and age|1870|5|5|p=fy}}
| government_type        = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–council]]
| governing_body         = El Dorado City Council
| leader_title           = Mayor
| leader_name            = Paul Choate
| unit_pref              = Imperial
| area_magnitude         = 
| area_total_km2         = 41.98
| area_total_sq_mi       = 16.21
| area_land_km2          = 41.96
| area_land_sq_mi        = 16.20
| area_water_km2         = 0.02
| area_water_sq_mi       = 0.01
| elevation_min_ft       = 249
| elevation_max_ft       = 269
| population_as_of       = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes   = 
| population_total       = 17755
| population_metro       = 44170 [[Arkansas census statistical areas]]
| population_density_sq_mi = 1095.98
| population_density_km2 = 423.16
| timezone               = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset             = -6
| coordinates            = {{coord|33|12|49|N|92|39|45|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| timezone_DST           = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST         = -5
| postal_code_type       = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code            = 71730, 71731, 71768
| area_code              = [[Area code 870|870]]
| blank_name             = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info             = 05-21070
| blank1_name            = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info            = 0076861
| blank2_name            = [[List of Arkansas numbered highways|Highways]]
| blank2_info            = [[File:I-69 (Future).svg|20px]]<br>[[File:US 63.svg|20px]] [[File:US 82.svg|20px]] [[File:US 167.svg|25px]]<br>[[File:Arkansas 7.svg|20px]] [[File:Arkansas 15.svg|20px]] 
| website   = {{URL|http://goeldorado.com/}}
|pop_est_as_of = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|population_est = 
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{Cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_05.txt |access-date=October 29, 2021 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
}}

'''El Dorado''' ({{IPAc-en|local|ɛ|l|_|d|ʌ|ˈ|r|eɪ|d|oʊ|}} {{respell|el|duh|RAY|doh}}) is a city in, and the [[county seat]] of, [[Union County, Arkansas|Union County]], on the southern border of [[Arkansas]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712220218/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=2012-07-12 |access-date=2011-06-07 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> According to the 2020 census, the population of the city is 17,755.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: El Dorado city, Arkansas |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/eldoradocityarkansas/PST045223 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref>

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission as well as [[Murphy USA]], Deltic Timber Corporation and a DelekUS oil refinery. The city has a downtown arts district, the Murphy Arts District (MAD); a community college, [[South Arkansas Community College]] (SouthArk); and a multi-cultural arts center, South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC). El Dorado is the population, cultural and business center of south central Arkansas.

The city was the heart of the 1920s [[oil boom]] in the area. During World War II, it became a center of the chemical industry, which still plays a part in the economy, as do oil and timber.

==History==
===Timeline===
* 1829, the territorial legislature took sections of [[Hempstead County, Arkansas|Hempstead]] and [[Clark County, Arkansas|Clark]] counties to establish [[Union County, Arkansas|Union County]].<ref name="The History of El Dorado">{{Cite web |title=The History of El Dorado |url=http://goeldorado.com/history/The-History-of-El-Dorado |access-date=December 5, 2020 |publisher=goeldorado.com}}</ref>
* 1843, Matthew Rainey founded and named El Dorado.<ref name="El Dorado Union County">{{Cite web |title=El Dorado (Union County) |url=https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/el-dorado-999/ |access-date=December 5, 2020 |publisher=encyclopediaofarkansas.net}}</ref><ref name="britannica.com">{{Cite web |title=El Dorado {{pipe}} Arkansas, United States |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/El-Dorado-Arkansas |access-date=December 5, 2020 |publisher=britannica.com}}</ref> El Dorado became the Union County seat that same year<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/><ref name="britannica.com"/><ref name="The History of El Dorado"/> and the first Presbyterian church was organized.<ref name="The History of El Dorado"/>
* 1845, First Baptist Church was organized.<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/>
* 1870, El Dorado Baptist Church was founded<ref name="The History of El Dorado"/> and El Dorado was incorporated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISJL : Digital Archive: El Dorado, Arkansas |url=http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/ar/eldorado.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005234940/http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/ar/eldorado.htm |archive-date=2007-10-05 |access-date=December 6, 2020}}</ref>
* 1883, Albert Williams was lynched in El Dorado<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/>
* 1891, the first passenger train arrives in El Dorado from Camden.<ref name="The History of El Dorado"/>
* 1902, the Tucker-Parnell Feud erupts between Guy Tucker (city marshal), and a local businessman (Tom Parnell).<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/>
* 1908, Washington High School opens.<ref name="The History of El Dorado"/>
* 1919, [[African-American veterans lynched after World War I|Frank Livingston]], a black World War I veteran accused of murder with scant evidence, was burned alive by a mob near El Dorado.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McWhirter |first=Cameron |title=Red Summer The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America |date=2011 |publisher=Henry Holt and Company |isbn=9780805089066 |page=52}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Frank Livingston (Lynching of) |url=http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=8283 |access-date=11 November 2018}}</ref>
* 1921, the Busey No. 1 well was completed. The start of the oil boom.<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/><ref name="rexnelsonsouthernfried.com">{{Cite web |title=Arkansas' original boomtown « Rex Nelson's Southern Fried |url=http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=9742 |access-date=December 9, 2020 |publisher=rexnelsonsouthernfried.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=El Dorado, Arkansas - Canfor's Communities |url=https://www.canfor.com/our-company/our-communities/el-dorado-ar |access-date=December 10, 2020 |publisher=canfor.com}}</ref><ref name="britannica.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=El Dorado - Arkansas.com |url=https://www.arkansas.com/el-dorado |access-date=December 10, 2020 |publisher=arkansas.com}}</ref><ref name="The History of El Dorado"/><ref name="isjl.org">{{Cite web |title=ISJL : Digital Archive: El Dorado, Arkansas |url=http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/ar/eldorado.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071005234940/http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/ar/eldorado.htm |archive-date=2007-10-05 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |publisher=isjl.org}}</ref>  El Dorado is sometimes referred to as "Arkansas' Original Boomtown."<ref name="El Dorado Union County"/><ref name="rexnelsonsouthernfried.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2020 |title=Our City - El Dorado Promise |url=https://eldoradopromise.com/our-city/ |access-date=December 10, 2020 |publisher=eldoradopromise.com}}</ref><ref name="The History of El Dorado"/>
* 1922, El Dorado Oil Refinery was commissioned and the B'nai B'rith lodge was founded.<ref name="isjl.org"/>
* 1927, the Lion Oil-Exchange Building was completed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Media Information: Arkansas Parks & Tourism |url=http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/news-releases/printable_popup_botframe.asp?id=261 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213614/http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/news-releases/printable_popup_botframe.asp?id=261 |archive-date=2007-09-27 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |publisher=arkansasmediaroom.com}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|16.3|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|16.3|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} (0.31%) is water.

===Topography===
El Dorado is located in the [[Gulf Coastal Plain|West Gulf Coastal Plain]]: In Arkansas, the West Gulf Coastal Plain covers the southeastern and south central portions of the state along the border of Louisiana. This Lowland area of Arkansas is characterized by pine forests and farmlands. Natural resources include natural gas, petroleum deposits and beds of [[bromine]] flats. The lowest point in the state is found on the Ouachita River in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arkansas Geography from |url=http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ar_geography.htm |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Netstate}}</ref>

===Climate===
El Dorado is located in the humid [[subtropical]] zone ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Cfa'').<ref name="Köppen">{{Cite web |date=2008-11-06 |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated |url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906034159/http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/ |archive-date=2010-09-06 |access-date=2010-09-25 |publisher=University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna}}</ref>

{{Weather box
 | width       = auto
 | collapsed   = 
 | single line = yes
 | location    = El Dorado, Arkansas ([[South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present)
 | Jan record high F  = 83
 | Feb record high F  = 89
 | Mar record high F  = 99
 | Apr record high F  = 96
 | May record high F  = 99
 | Jun record high F  = 108
 | Jul record high F  = 110
 | Aug record high F  = 112
 | Sep record high F  = 110
 | Oct record high F  = 99
 | Nov record high F  = 89
 | Dec record high F  = 83
 | year record high F = 
 | Jan high F = 55.9
 | Feb high F = 60.2
 | Mar high F = 68.7
 | Apr high F = 76.4
 | May high F = 83.5
 | Jun high F = 90.5
 | Jul high F = 93.6
 | Aug high F = 93.5
 | Sep high F = 88.2
 | Oct high F = 77.6
 | Nov high F = 66.0
 | Dec high F = 58.0
 | year high F = 76.0
 | Jan mean F = 44.7
 | Feb mean F = 48.5
 | Mar mean F = 56.3
 | Apr mean F = 63.9
 | May mean F = 72.0
 | Jun mean F = 79.3
 | Jul mean F = 82.4
 | Aug mean F = 81.8
 | Sep mean F = 75.8
 | Oct mean F = 64.6
 | Nov mean F = 53.8
 | Dec mean F = 46.8
 | year mean F = 64.2
 | Jan low F = 33.6
 | Feb low F = 36.8
 | Mar low F = 44.0
 | Apr low F = 51.3
 | May low F = 60.5
 | Jun low F = 68.0
 | Jul low F = 71.3
 | Aug low F = 70.2
 | Sep low F = 63.4
 | Oct low F = 51.5
 | Nov low F = 41.6
 | Dec low F = 35.6
 | year low F = 52.3
 | Jan record low F  = -10
 | Feb record low F  = -9
 | Mar record low F  = 11
 | Apr record low F  = 26
 | May record low F  = 34
 | Jun record low F  = 46
 | Jul record low F  = 53
 | Aug record low F  = 50
 | Sep record low F  = 35
 | Oct record low F  = 24
 | Nov record low F  = 9
 | Dec record low F  = -4
 | year record low F = 
 | precipitation colour   = green
 | Jan precipitation inch = 4.39
 | Feb precipitation inch = 4.47
 | Mar precipitation inch = 5.10
 | Apr precipitation inch = 5.39
 | May precipitation inch = 4.81
 | Jun precipitation inch = 3.88
 | Jul precipitation inch = 3.43
 | Aug precipitation inch = 3.40
 | Sep precipitation inch = 3.23
 | Oct precipitation inch = 4.58
 | Nov precipitation inch = 3.83
 | Dec precipitation inch = 5.61
 | year precipitation inch = 52.12
 | unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
 | Jan precipitation days  = 9.4
 | Feb precipitation days  = 9.4
 | Mar precipitation days  = 10.3
 | Apr precipitation days  = 8.7
 | May precipitation days  = 10.55
 | Jun precipitation days  = 8.6
 | Jul precipitation days  = 8.4
 | Aug precipitation days  = 7.4
 | Sep precipitation days  = 6.3
 | Oct precipitation days  = 7.3
 | Nov precipitation days  = 8.7
 | Dec precipitation days  = 9.3
 | year precipitation days = 104.3
 | source = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="NOWData">{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=shv
|title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = November 2, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NCEI">{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00093992&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = November 2, 2023}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1880 = 443
| 1890 = 455
| 1900 = 1857
| 1910 = 4202
| 1920 = 3887
| 1930 = 16421
| 1940 = 15858
| 1950 = 23076
| 1960 = 25292
| 1970 = 25283
| 1980 = 25270
| 1990 = 23146
| 2000 = 21530
| 2010 = 18884
| 2020 = 17756
| estyear = 2021
| estimate = 17339
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=June 4, 2015 |publisher=Census.gov}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+El Dorado racial composition<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0521070&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2021-12-10 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|9,029
|50.85%
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|6,868
|38.68%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|34
|0.19%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|210
|1.18%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
|3
|0.02%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|595
|3.35%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|1,017
|5.73%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 17,756 people, 7,164 households, and 4,466 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,096 people per square mile.<ref name="GR2" />

25.9% of the population were under 18, and 7.1% were under 5. People over 65 made up 16.7% of the population. The gender make up of the city was 50.6% female and 49.4% male.<ref name="GR2" />

The median household income was $41,831, and the per capita income was $24,081. People  under the poverty line made up 22.6% of the population.<ref name="GR2" />

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=2008-01-31 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> of 2010, there were 18,884 people, 8,969 households, and 5,732 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,323.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 9,969 housing units at an average density of {{convert|607.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 49.9% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 45.1% [[Race (United States Census)|White]],  0.30% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.71% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.39% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.86% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=El Dorado, AR ZIP codes, demographics, job listings, schools, income stats & more |url=http://www.muninetguide.com/states/arkansas/municipality/El_Dorado.php |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Muninetguide.com}}</ref>

There were 8,686 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. Of 8,686 households, 304 are unmarried partner households: 243 heterosexual, 19 same-sex male, and 42 same-sex female. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,045, and the median income for a family was $34,753. Males had a median income of $30,876 versus $19,211 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $16,332. About 20.0% of families and 24.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 36.3% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==
{{More citations needed|section|date=January 2022}}

===Venues===
[[File:El Dorado, AR, Conference Center IMG 2633.JPG|thumb|El Dorado Conference Center]]

The Murphy Arts District (MAD) opened in 2017 in downtown El Dorado.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-03 |title=High marks greet new Arkansas entertainment district; 21,000 people attend 4-day festival |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/oct/03/high-marks-greet-el-dorado-venue-201710-1/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Arkansas Online |language=en}}</ref> The district includes a music hall, outdoor amphitheater, farmer's market, musical performers, restaurant with performance stage, the largest playscape in the state, and a water park.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/murphy-arts-district |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=www.architectmagazine.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Murphy Arts District Calendar {{!}} Murphy Arts District |url=https://eldomad.com/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=eldomad.com}}</ref>

The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) is a {{convert|22500|sqft|m2|adj=on}} facility with three visual art galleries, a ballet studio, a theatre, educational classroom space, and an open art studio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Arkansas Arts Center and Theatre - El Dorado, AR - Events, Entertainment |url=http://www.discoverourtown.com/AR/El-Dorado/Events/south-arkansas-arts-center-and-theatre/136821.html |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Discoverourtown.com |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718231824/http://www.discoverourtown.com/AR/El-Dorado/Events/south-arkansas-arts-center-and-theatre/136821.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>  SAAC hosts stage events and art exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-29 |title=South Arkansas Arts Center {{pipe}} El Dorado, AR |url=http://www.saac-arts.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729131940/http://www.saac-arts.org/ |archive-date=2010-07-29 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Saac-arts.org}}</ref>

The El Dorado Municipal Auditorium is a multi-purpose auditorium with a large lobby, grand hall seating, and multi-tiered sloping balcony. It has featured musical acts, entertainment shows, school productions, dance recitals and was formerly the location of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1956.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venue |url=https://www.southarkansassymphony.com/venue |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=SASO |language=en}}</ref>

The El Dorado Conference Center is a {{convert|50764|sqft|m2|adj=on}} multi-purpose facility opened in 2011, which features an assembly hall
main hall, small meeting rooms, the student services for [[South Arkansas Community College]], and bookstore, and café.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-19 |title=El Dorado Conference Center |url=http://www.southark.edu/conference/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719094521/http://www.southark.edu/conference/ |archive-date=2011-07-19 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Southark.edu}}</ref>

===Annual events===
The [[Mayhaw]] Festival occurs in May.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayhaw Festival - South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society & the Newton House Museum |url=http://www.soarkhistory.com |website=soarkhistory.com}}</ref> The official event name is "Bugs Bands and Bikes".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bugs Bands & Bikes - Main Street El Dorado |url=http://www.mainstreeteldorado.org/bugs_bands_bikes.html |website=mainstreeteldorado.org |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093038/http://www.mainstreeteldorado.org/bugs_bands_bikes.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> It coincides with a crawfish boil, a "Battle of the Bands", a bike show/one day motorcycle rally, a motorcycle parade, and pool tournament.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
  
The "SouthArk Outdoor Expo occurs in September<ref>{{Cite web |title=SouthArk Expo - South Arkansas Outdoor Expo |url=http://www.southarkexpo.com/index.php |website=southarkexpo.com}}</ref> with activities for anglers, hunters, children, and families.

MusicFest occurs in October in an eight-block area, featuring over 30 acts on five stages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MyArkLaMiss - MusicFest El Dorado Named Festival of The Year |url=http://www.myarklamiss.com/story/d/story/musicfest-el-dorado-named-festival-of-the-year/23400/fttCxrC-CkqF53VxXmzzFw |website=myarklamiss.com |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715113704/http://www.myarklamiss.com/story/d/story/musicfest-el-dorado-named-festival-of-the-year/23400/fttCxrC-CkqF53VxXmzzFw |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Winter events include the "Festival of Lights" and the "largest Christmas parade in Arkansas".{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

===Attractions===
[[File:Rialto Theater, El Dorado, AR IMG 2629.JPG|thumb|Rialto Theater]]

*The [[Union County Courthouse (Arkansas)|Union County Courthouse]], opened in 1928.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Union County, Arkansas: History and Information |url=http://www.e-referencedesk.com/resources/counties/arkansas/union.html |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=E-referencedesk.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1983-06-30 |title=Union County, Arkansas |url=http://www.arkansasties.com/Union/CourtHouse.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321184820/http://www.arkansasties.com/Union/CourtHouse.htm |archive-date=2012-03-21 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Arkansasties.com}}</ref>
*The [[South Arkansas Arboretum]], opened in 1965, is Arkansas's only state park located within a city. It includes more than {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} of paved trails.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Arkansas Arboretum is adjacent to El Dorado HS on west gulf coastal plain |url=http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/southarkansasarboretum/ |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Arkansas State Parks}}</ref>
*The Rialto Theater, listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]], opened in 1929 with seating for 1,400, and presented live stage shows and films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rialto Theater |url=http://cinematreasures.org/theater/8715/ |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Cinema Treasures}}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2022}}

City parks include: Lions Club Park and Golf Course, Mattocks Park, Mosby Park, Neel Park, Old City Park, and South Side Park.

The El Dorado Recreation Complex and Pavilion has a playground, baseball and softball facility and two pavilions. It is the location of the [[El Dorado High School (Arkansas)|El Dorado High School]] Wildcat Baseball Field and Ladycat Softball Field.

Memorial Stadium is a 6,000-seat football stadium and track which hosts sports event, school teams, the Boomtown Classic, an annual college football match between in-state college football rivals.

==Education==
{{More citations needed|section|date=January 2022}}
According to the 2000 Census, 22.5% of the population age 25+ had an associate degree or higher.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau Quick facts Sheet accessed 1 February 2007 |url=http://censtats.census.gov/data/AR/1600521070.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407012903/http://censtats.census.gov/data/AR/1600521070.pdf |archive-date=7 April 2012 |access-date=2012-08-19}}</ref> More than 400 teachers and administrators work to meet the needs of all students regardless of age, ability, or background. Approximately 50 percent of these teachers and administrators hold advanced degrees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELDORADOPUBLICSCHOOLS.COM |url=http://www.eldoradopublicschools.com/pages/eldoradoschools |access-date=2021-12-29 |website=www.eldoradopublicschools.com}}</ref> More than 4,600 students attend the nine El Dorado public schools in the [[El Dorado School District (Arkansas)|El Dorado School District]] #15.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} A new high school with a 1500-student capacity was completed in June 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-01 |title=El Dorado High School, El Dorado, Ark. {{pipe}} South Central Construction {{pipe}} McGraw-Hill Construction |url=http://southcentral.construction.com/southcentral_construction_projects/2010/0601_ElDoradoHighSchool.asp |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=South Central Construction}}</ref>

===Public===
====Elementary====
There are five elementary schools in the district, divided into academies (K-4) and 1 (K-6):
*Hugh Goodwin Elementary School of the Arts
*Murmil Heights learning center
*Northwest Elementary School of Environment
*Retta Brown Elementary School of Communication and Technologies
*Yocum Elementary School of Math and Science

====Secondary====
*Washington Middle School (5-6)
*Barton Junior High School (7-8)
*[[El Dorado High School (Arkansas)|El Dorado High School]] (9-12)

====Collegiate====
[[South Arkansas Community College]] (SouthArk), is a public [[Community College|two-year institution]] providing educational programs, services, and resources for students. SouthArk offers degrees and certificates in health sciences, industrial technologies, [[liberal arts]], and business.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1992-06-30 |title=SouthArk |url=http://www.southark.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=506 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Southark.edu}}</ref>

===Private===
*Maranatha Baptist Christian School (PK-12)
*West Side Christians School (PK-12)
*Light Brigade Christian Academy (PK-12)
*Holy Redeemer School (1925–2005)<ref name="Hargettdespite">{{Cite news |last=Hargett, Malea |date=2013-03-28 |title=Despite 'year of grace,' St. Joseph School will close |work=[[Arkansas Catholic]] |url=http://www.arkansas-catholic.org/news/article/3421/Despite-year-of-grace-St-Joseph-School-will-close |access-date=2017-07-31}}</ref>

==Media==
[[File:El Dorado, AR News-Times building IMG 2614.JPG|thumb|''El Dorado News-Times'' office]]

===Radio===
Radio stations include: [[KMLK]] (urban adult contemporary), [[KDMS]] (southern gospel), [[KIXB]] (country), [[KMRX]] (classic hits), [[KAGL]] (classic rock), [[KELD (AM)|KELD]] (talk), [[KELD-FM]] (contemporary hits), [[KLBQ (FM)|KLBQ]] (classic country), KBSA ([[NPR]]), and [[KAKV]].

===Television===
Television stations serving El Dorado include: [[KTVE]] ([[NBC]]), [[Arkansas Educational Television Network|KETZ]]  (PBS), [[KNOE-TV|K20OC]] ([[CBS|CBS-HD]]), [[KTVE|KTVE-HD]] ([[NBC|NBC-HD]]), [[KNOE-TV|K20OC]] ([[CBS]]), [[KETZ|KETZ-DT]] ([[Public Broadcasting Service|AETN/PBS]]), [[KTBS-TV|KTBS]] (ABC), [[KNOE-TV|KNOE]] (CBS), [[KARD (TV)|KARD]] (FOX), and [[KMLU (TV)|KMLU]] (MeTV).

===Print===
The ''El Dorado News-Times'' is one of the oldest newspapers in South Arkansas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=El Dorado News Times - daily newspaper in El Dorado, Arkansas USA with local news and events |url=http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/4/76/252 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Mondotimes.com}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
{{More citations needed|section|date=January 2022}}

===Major highways===
*[[File:I-69 (Future).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 69 in Arkansas|Future Interstate 69]]
*[[File:US 63.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Highway 63 (Arkansas)|U.S. Highway 63]]
*[[File:US 82.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Highway 82 (Arkansas)|U.S. Highway 82]]
*[[File:US 167.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Highway 167 (Arkansas)|U.S. Highway 167]]
*[[File:Arkansas 7.svg|20px]] [[Highway 7 (Arkansas)|Highway 7]]
*[[File:Arkansas 15.svg|20px]] [[Highway 15 (Arkansas)|Highway 15]]

===Airports===
El Dorado has two airports, both owned by the city. [[South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field]] services private aircraft and one commercial carrier,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resources > Airport > S Arkansas Regional Airport (El Dorado, AR) [KELD/ELD&#93; |url=http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KELD |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=FlightAware}}</ref> and [[Downtown Airport (Arkansas)|El Dorado Downtown Airport]] services local industries, and offers hangar space to small private planes.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

===Utilities===
El Dorado water is served locally by El Dorado Water Utilities, a private company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=El Dorado Water Utilities (City Of El Dorado) - El Dorado, Arkansas (AR) {{pipe}} Company Profile |url=http://www.manta.com/c/mm5qnxz/el-dorado-water-utilities |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Manta.com}}</ref> Electricity is supplied by [[Entergy]] of Arkansas. Other utility companies serving El Dorado include Summit Utilities (natural gas), Southern Lp-Gas (liquid gas), Bcs (bottled and metered gas), [[Suddenlink]] (cable TV, internet and phone), [[Verizon Wireless]] and [[AT&T Inc.|AT&T]] (residential and wireless phone service).

===Health systems===
The city and surrounding area is served by the Medical Center of South Arkansas, MCSA, accredited by the [[Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations]], is a general acute-care hospital licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home - About Us |url=http://www.themedcenter.net/About/Pages/About%20Us.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321165037/http://www.themedcenter.net/About/Pages/About%20Us.aspx |archive-date=2012-03-21 |access-date=2012-08-19 |publisher=Themedcenter.net}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{alumni|people|date=October 2019}}
*[[Beryl Anthony Jr.]], member of the [[United States House of Representatives]]
*[[Michael Aiken]], Chancellor of the [[University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign]]
*[[Donna Axum]], 1964 [[Miss America]]
*[[Lou Brock]], member of [[Baseball Hall of Fame]]
*[[Albert H. Crews]], astronaut and [[United States Air Force]] officer
*[[Charlie Daniels (politician)|Charlie Daniels]], politician
*[[CMT (U.S. TV channel)|Glenn D. Daniels]], 1936-1992, founder of [[Country Music Television]]
*[[Candice Earley]], actress
*[[Michael G. Fitzgerald]], film historian and author
*[[David Frizzell]], [[country music]] singer
*[[Lefty Frizzell]], country music singer, born in [[Corsicana, Texas|Corsicana]], [[Texas]], reared in El Dorado
*[[Daniel Gafford]], [[NBA]] [[Power forward (basketball)|power forward]] for the [[Washington Wizards]] 
*[[Hogan Gidley]], White House Deputy Press Secretary from 2019–2020
*[[Glen Ray Hines]], professional football player
*[[Lamar Hunt]], businessman, owner of Kansas City Chiefs, member of [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
*[[E. Fay Jones]], architect and student of [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]
*[[Shara Nova]], lead singer of [[My Brightest Diamond]]
*[[Qui Nguyen]], playwright and founder of New York-based [[Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company]], screenwriter of Disney's [[Raya and the Last Dragon]] 
*[[Kevin Payne (American football)|Kevin Payne]], [[NFL]] [[strong safety]] for the [[Carolina Panthers]]
*[[Charles Portis]], author of ''[[True Grit (novel)|True Grit]]''
*[[William Ragsdale]], actor
*[[Albert Rust]], [[U.S. Representative]]
*[[Rob Schroeder]], racing driver
*[[Adam Setliff]], two-time Olympic discus thrower
*[[Dorothy Geneva Styles]], composer, mathematician, and poet
*[[Reece Tatum]],  basketball player for [[Harlem Globetrotters]]
*[[Dave Whitlock]], [[light heavyweight]] professional prizefighter who fought [[Floyd Patterson]] in September 1955
*[[Travis Williams (running back)|Travis Williams]], NFL running back
*[[Josh Wilson (musician)|Josh Wilson]], contemporary Christian musician
*[[Viper (rapper)|Viper]], rapper and record producer

==See also==
{{portal|United States}}
* [[List of cities and towns in Arkansas]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, Arkansas]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213614/http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/news-releases/printable_popup_botframe.asp?id=261 Jay Herrod, "Story of Arkansas's Oil Boom Unfolds at Smackover Museum." Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism: November 26, 2002.]

==External links==
{{commons category|El Dorado, Arkansas}}
*{{Official website|http://goeldorado.com/}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071005234940/http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/ar/eldorado.htm History of El Dorado's Jewish community] (from the [[Institute of Southern Jewish Life]])
*Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture entry: [http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=999 El Dorado (Union County)]

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