History

Caddo Valley was incorporated in 1974. Located at the junction of Interstate 30, Highway 67, and Scenic Highway 7, the city has thousands of travelers a day. The city contains gas stations, restaurants, and motels strategically located to attract business and serve the many travelers.

Allyn Cox was Caddo Valley’s first mayor and he served from 1975 until 1987. Betty Howell was secretary-treasurer and Willard Thomason was manager of the water and sewer plant. Keith Capron was hired as the first policeman in 1980 and Tommy James became the first full-time employee holding the position of Marshall in 1980.

The Caddo Valley Fire Department was created in 1976 with Ernie Henshaw as the first fire chief. There were over twenty volunteer firemen. The first fire truck was donated by the city of Arkadelphia in 1977. The next year, land was purchased to construct a joint city hall/fire station, and a new fire truck was purchased with donations.

Houston Haltom took over as mayor in January of 1987. The town had grown and several new businesses had come. Almost all major food chains had set up operations in the city. There were more gas stations and bigger and better motels. All of these things continue to attract students from OBU and HSU, weary travelers, and tourists on their way to Lake DeGray or Hot Springs.

Caddo Valley is the fastest growing city in Clark County due to its location and the continual increase of business and opportunity.