Welcome to Woodruff County, a small, close-knit community in the Arkansas Delta where life moves at a calmer pace. Here you’ll find clean air and water, open fields, good schools, affordable housing, and neighbors who still know each other by name.
Founded in 1862 and named after William E. Woodruff, the founder of the Arkansas Gazette, our county blends deep roots, rich farmland, and genuine Southern hospitality.
Woodruff County District Map
A County Built on Legacy
Woodruff County, Arkansas, was officially formed in 1862 and named after William E. Woodruff, the founder of the Arkansas Gazette and a major figure in early Arkansas history. Augusta serves as the county seat—a town known not only for its history but also for its strong sense of community. Along with Augusta, the county includes McCrory, Patterson, Hunter, Cotton Plant, and several unincorporated areas that give the region its character.
A County with History and Heart
Our county seat, Augusta, sits on the banks of the White River and has been a hub of life and trade since it was founded as a trading post in 1848 on the site of an abandoned Native American village.
At the center of county life is the Woodruff County Courthouse in Augusta — a beautiful 1902 Romanesque Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Located in a quiet residential neighborhood
- Surrounded by historic homes
- Features a four-story clock tower
- Includes multi-colored ceramic tile floors and a tile mural inside
It’s more than a courthouse — it’s one of the symbols of who we are as a community.
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Life in Woodruff County
Woodruff County offers a blend of small-town comfort and natural beauty:
- Peaceful neighborhoods and family-friendly communities
- Strong traditions, churches, and civic groups
- Good local schools and youth activities
- Affordable homes and open spaces
- Short drives instead of long commutes
Our rich, flat land is especially well-suited to rice, cotton, soybeans, and grain farming, and agriculture still shapes much of daily life here. Alongside our farms, you’ll also find light industry and small businesses in Augusta, McCrory, and Cotton Plant, providing jobs and services close to home.
Our Towns and Communities
Woodruff County may be small in population, but it’s full of distinct places and personalities.
Augusta
- County seat and largest city
- Located along the White River
- Historic downtown and river access via a public launch ramp
- Home to key county offices and the courthouse
McCrory & Patterson
- Centrally located in the county
- Close-knit communities with local schools, businesses, and churches
- Easy access to highways and nearby farms
Cotton Plant & Hunter
- Located in the southern part of the county
- Cotton Plant is known for its long history and community spirit
- Hunter is a small, quiet town surrounded by farmland
Beyond these cities and towns, Woodruff County includes many unincorporated communities and historic settlements that tell the story of early life in the Arkansas Delta — places like Gregory, Fitzhugh, Pumpkin Bend, New Augusta, Pleasant Grove, Shady Grove, and more.
Nature, Rivers, and Outdoor Recreation
If you love the outdoors, Woodruff County feels like home.
- The White River forms much of our western border and is known for year-round fishing, floating, and boating.
- The Cache River and Cache River National Wildlife Refuge preserve bottomland forests, sloughs, and abundant wildlife.
- The Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area is a favorite spot for hunting, bird-watching, and nature trips.
From quiet mornings on the water to fall hunting seasons and spring fishing trips, our landscape creates opportunities to get outside in every season.
Community Events and Local Traditions
Woodruff County communities come together often — at churches, school events, ball games, and festivals.
One of the most unique is McCrory’s Mosquitofest, a mosquito-themed festival held each year in mid-June. The event typically includes:
- Arts and crafts
- Bake sales and concessions
- Live entertainment and games
- A community fish fry
- Fun contests and activities for all ages
It’s a great example of the way our small towns turn local history and humor into a reason to celebrate.
Climate: Four Seasons, Mild Winters
Woodruff County has a humid subtropical climate:
- Hot, humid summers – July highs average around 93°F (33.9°C)
- Mild winters – January highs average around 49°F (9.4°C) with light snowfall
- All four seasons are distinct, but winters are generally short and manageable
This climate supports our agriculture and gives residents long springs and falls to enjoy the outdoors.
County Government & Public Services
Woodruff County government exists to serve residents with transparency and care.
County Courthouse
Woodruff County Courthouse
500 North 3rd Street
P.O. Box 492
Augusta, AR 72006
Phone: (870) 347-2391
Fax: (870) 347-8703
The courthouse handles criminal, civil, and family court matters, along with many public records. The court clerk maintains court records, which can be requested by mail and, where available, by email or fax. Certain official records may be delivered only by mail under Arkansas law.
County Government Structure
Woodruff County follows the structure set out by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code:
- The Quorum Court serves as the county’s legislative body and oversees spending and revenue.
- Members are called Justices of the Peace and are elected from districts throughout the county.
- The County Judge presides over the quorum court and serves as the county’s chief executive officer.
Residents are represented at the state level in both the Arkansas State Senate and the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Public Safety, Records, and Courts
Sheriff’s Office
The Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement in the county, maintaining public safety, and managing the county jail, arrest records, and certain public registries.
Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff: Phil Reynolds
890 Gregory Street
Augusta, AR 72006
Phone: (870) 347-2583
Fax: (870) 347-2915
The Sheriff’s Office works closely with state systems to maintain up-to-date arrest records and the sex offender registry, as required by law. Residents can use state-provided online tools to:
- Search arrest records
- Look up certain criminal records
- Check registered sex offenders by ZIP code or name
These tools help keep the community informed and support transparency in public safety.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Even without an Interstate highway, Woodruff County is easy to reach and navigate.
Highways
Two U.S. Highways and several Arkansas State Highways cross the county:
- U.S. Highway 49
- U.S. Highway 64
- State Highways 17, 33, 37, 38, 78, 145, 260, 262, 269, 284, 306, and 339
Two Union Pacific Railroad lines also run through the county, supporting agriculture and commerce.
Aviation
The Woodruff County Airport, located along U.S. 64 between Patterson and Augusta, serves as a general aviation airport, primarily supporting:
- Agricultural spraying operations
- Recreational flying
It provides convenient access for pilots and visitors traveling by air.
Water, Utilities, and Everyday Services
Residents and businesses in Woodruff County are served by several community water systems, including:
- Augusta Waterworks
- Breckenridge Union Water Association
- Cross County Rural Water System
- Cotton Plant Waterworks
- McCrory Waterworks
- Patterson Waterworks
- West Woodruff Water District
Most systems use groundwater as their source, with West Woodruff purchasing treated water from Patterson. The Arkansas Department of Health oversees public water systems statewide, helping ensure that drinking water is safe and reliable.
A Small County with Big Roots
Woodruff County is one of the smaller counties in Arkansas by land area and population, but it’s rich in history, community life, and natural beauty. From historic Augusta and farming communities to wildlife refuges and river access, this is a place where you can still enjoy quiet evenings, open skies, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a former neighbor looking back home, or a visitor getting to know us for the first time, you’re welcome in Woodruff County.
