History of Conway, Arkansas in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2025

Conway, Arkansas, the county seat of Faulkner County, is a key city within Central Arkansas. Its significance stems from its role as a regional hub for shopping, education, employment, healthcare, sports, and culture. The city's expansion is driven by opportunities in technology and higher education. Notably, Conway is home to three higher education institutions, resulting in its nickname, 'The City of Colleges'.

1933: IC Corporation Founded

In 1933, Ward Body Works, later known as American Transportation (AmTran) Corporation and then IC Corporation, was founded. It was one of the world's largest school bus manufacturers.

1935: Conway Library

Beginning in 1935, Conway was served by the Conway Library until it merged into the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System.

1949: Nabholz Construction Founded

In 1949, R. D. "Bob" Nabholz founded Nabholz Construction in Conway.

1954: Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System Formed

In 1954, the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System, a two-county library system, was formed.

April 10, 1965: F4 Tornado

On April 10, 1965, an F4 tornado struck Conway, resulting in six deaths and 200 injuries.

1965: Good Shepherd School Closure

In 1965, Good Shepherd School, a Catholic grade school for black children in Conway, closed.

1969: Acxiom Corporation Founded

In 1969, Acxiom Corporation, an interactive marketing services company, was founded in Conway.

1982: First Toad Suck Daze

Since 1982, the city has held Toad Suck Daze, a three-day community festival with live music, food and craft vendors, and amusement rides during the first weekend of May. The proceeds from the festival fund college scholarships for local students.

1986: First Visitor Exchange with Quakenbrueck

In 1986, the first exchange of visitors occurred between Conway and its sister city, Quakenbrueck, Germany.

1986: Nabholz Listed Among Top Contractors

Since 1986, Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine has listed Nabholz Construction as one of the Top 400 General Contractors every year.

1992: Hendrix College Professor Leads Trip to Quakenbrueck

Starting in 1992, Dr. Oudekerk, a professor from Hendrix College, began taking groups to Conway's sister city in Quakenbrueck, Germany.

June 19, 2008: Hewlett-Packard Facility Announced

On June 19, 2008, Hewlett-Packard announced it would be opening a 150,000-square-foot facility with 1,200 employees in Conway in 2009.

September 12, 2009: First EcoFest

On September 12, 2009, Conway held its first-ever EcoFest in Laurel Park. The event included exhibits and events relating to "green" and sustainable initiatives, including a cardboard car derby and an alleycat bicycle ride.

2009: Hewlett-Packard Facility Opening

In 2009 Hewlett-Packard opened a 150,000-square-foot (14,000 m) facility with 1,200 employees in Conway. The building has since been abandoned by HP and is now leased to Gainwell Technologies.

2010: 2010 Census Demographics

According to the 2010 census, Conway had a population of 58,908 people residing in 23,205 households, with 13,969 families. The population density was 1,299.2 inhabitants per square mile.

2010: IC Corporation Plant Closure

In 2010, IC Corporation closed its Conway plant and moved all bus manufacturing operations to its Tulsa plant due to incentives offered by the city of Tulsa.

2016: 2016 Metropolitan Statistical Area Ranking

In 2016, Central Arkansas, specifically the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area, was ranked the 76th most populous in the United States, with a population of 734,622 people. The larger Little Rock–North Little Rock, AR Combined Statistical Area had a population of 905,847 and ranked 60th largest CSA.

2020: 2020 Census Population

As of the 2020 Census, the city proper of Conway had a total population of 64,134, making it the eighth-most populous city in Arkansas.

December 16, 2021: Westrock Coffee Announces New Plant

On December 16, 2021, Westrock Coffee, an Arkansas-based company, announced the planned opening of a new 524,000-square-foot plant in Conway, which is expected to create 250 jobs.