Canehill, Arkansas

This article is about the unincorporated community in Arkansas. For the American Civil War battle of the same name, see Battle of Cane Hill. For other uses, see Cane Hill.

Canehill, Arkansas
Census-designated place
Main façade of the Canehill Post Office
Canehill, Arkansas Canehill's position in Arkansas.
Coordinates: 35°54′50″N94°23′51″W / 35.91389°N 94.39750°W / 35.91389; -94.39750
Country	United States
State	Arkansas
County	Washington
Township	Cane Hill
Established	1839
Elevation [1]	423 m (1,388 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	74
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Zip code	72717
Area code	479
GNIS feature ID	2805630 [1]

Canehill (also known as Cane Hill and Boonsboro) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Washington County, Arkansas, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 74. ^[2]

The community is located in the Ozark Mountains on the outskirts of the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area. One of the most historic communities in the state, Canehill contains seventeen listings on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Cane Hill College began operations in 1834, which led to the rapid growth and development of the community as a center of higher education. The college and community suffered during the American Civil War, and was bypassed by the railroad, which chose a route through Lincoln. Recently, restoration and preservation of many historic buildings has been undertaken by a nonprofit organization, Historic Cane Hill Inc.

Geography

The post office at Canehill is 1322 feet above sea level. ^[3] Canehill is on Arkansas Highway 45, approximately 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Fayetteville and 6 miles (9.7 km) east of the Oklahoma border.

Considered a postal designation (ZIP code 72717), the population of the ZCTA was 847 ^[4] at the 2000 census.

History

Cane Hill College

In 1834, the Cumberland Presbyterians established the first collegiate learning institute in Arkansas, naming it the Cane Hill School, after a nearby geological feature. ^[5] The current Post Office was opened in 1839 and was originally unnamed. In 1843, it was named Boonsboro, and the town maintained this name throughout the American Civil War.

American Civil War

Cane Hill Battlefield, today listed on the NRHP

See also: Arkansas in the American Civil War

The year of 1862 brought the Battle of Cane Hill.

Postwar years and decline

Only one Cane Hill College building remains today.

In 1897, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church considered Cane Hill College ^[6] as the starting point for their "state" college. However, due to the nearby competition from Arkansas Industrial University, the decline of Cane Hill as a population center and its remote location, the Synod decided to open Arkansas Cumberland College ^[7] in Clarksville, Arkansas, a more centralized location. In 1891, Cane Hill College closed its doors permanently. In 1901, the community's name was changed to the current usage, that of Canehill. ^[3]

Economy

Early settlers were attracted to the area by natural springs, which were used in agricultural operations. The community served as a trading post and regional center for apple orchards to sell crops to merchants from Fort Smith. The locals also produced and sold sorghum, a tradition continuing today at the annual harvest festival.

Education

The community is served by the Lincoln Consolidated School District. ^[8] Lincoln High School is its sole high school.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	74		—
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 2020 [10]

2020 census

Canehill CDP, Arkansas – Demographic Profile
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity	Pop 2020 [10]	% 2020
White alone (NH)	50	67.57%
Black or African American alone (NH)	0	0.00%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	1	1.35%
Asian alone (NH)	0	0.00%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	1	1.35%
Some Other Race alone (NH)	3	4.05%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH)	15	20.27%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	4	5.41%
Total	74	100.00%

Transportation

As of 2023, there is no fixed route transit service in Canehill. Ozark Regional Transit operates demand-response service in the area. ^[11] The nearest intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in Fayetteville. ^[12]

Gallery

• 
  A.R. Carroll Building
• 
  Blackburn House
• 
  Cane Hill Museum
• 
  D.N. Edmiston House
• 
  John Edmiston House
• 
  Zeb Edmiston House
• 
  Harvest Festival Sign
• 
  Methodist Manse
• 
  Streetside in Cane Hill
• 
  Trail

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Canehill, Arkansas
2. "Canehill CDP, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved April 7, 2022.
3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Canehill, Arkansas Canehill post office
4. U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Census website Fact Sheet for ZCTA 72717
5. "About Ozarks - Cane Hill School". Archived from the original on July 12, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2007.
6. "About Ozarks - Cane Hill College". Archived from the original on July 12, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
7. "About Ozarks - Arkansas Cumberland College". Archived from the original on September 21, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
8. "About". Lincoln Consolidated School District. Archived from the original on January 23, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
9. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
10. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Canehill CDP, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau .
11. "Demand Response" . Retrieved September 28, 2023.
12. "Arkansas Bus Stops" . Retrieved September 28, 2023.

External links

• The Battle of Cane Hill