History, Location, and Government

Named by early explorers for the colorful bluffs that rise above the White River, Calico Rock was established as a river landing and trade center in the mid-1800's. The Calico Rock Post Office has operated continuously since 1879. Railroad service was extended to the area around 1900, when banks, newspapers, and a school were established.

Calico Rock was chartered as a city in 1905 and operates with a mayor-council form of government. It has a population of approximately 1050.

Calico Rock is located on the Ozark Plateau in north-central Arkansas, approximately 135 miles north of Little Rock, 50 miles north-west of Batesville, and 80 miles east of Harrison. The elevation ranges from 365 to 700 feet  (110 to 225 meters) above sea level.