The
Arkansas Timberlands (sometimes also called
Southern Arkansas or
Southwest Arkansas) is a
region of the
U.S. state of
Arkansas generally encompassing the area south of the
Ouachita Mountains, south of
Central Arkansas and west of the
Arkansas Delta. With several different definitions in use by various state agencies, the Arkansas Timberlands is essentially a region known for dense
pine and
cypress forests covering
hilly terrain and lining numerous
rivers. Modern settlement created a significant
logging industry and subsequent clearance
agriculture which provided the basis of the local
economy until the discovery of
petroleum. Local
tourism is largely based on the popularity of
deer hunting and
bass fishing. Attractions there include
Marks' Mills Battleground Historical Monument,
Jenkins' Ferry Battleground Historical Monument,
Overflow National Wildlife Refuge,
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge,
South Arkansas Arboretum,
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources,
White Oak Lake State Park,
Poison Springs Battleground State Park,
Millwood State Park, and
Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Arkansas Timberlands was the birthplace of former
President of the United States Bill Clinton.