History

Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto is believed to have visited the region about 1541. The first settlers began arriving before the Civil War. The region, later forming parts of Jefferson, Saline, and Hot Spring Counties, was divided by politics and patriotism during the Civil War. In 1864, an engagement was fought in the Saline River at Jenkins' Ferry. The Battle of Jenkins Ferry was a major battle in the Red River Campaign and holds much significance in Civil War history. Following the war, local citizens developed plans to create a new county, taking land from existing counties. A petition was submitted to the Reconstruction Legislature in 1868, and in 1869, Governor Powell Clayton signed a bill into law that created the county.

The petitioners selected Grant County (after President Ulysses S. Grant) as the name for the new county to appease the Reconstruction Government. The county seat was named after General Phillip Sheridan, another Union hero.

Today Sheridan is a thriving residential and business community and serves as the heart of activity for the county. You'll find a warm friendly community here where the people are the greatest asset. Come and visit for a weekend or a lifetime.