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The city is on the east edge of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. Arkadelphia is south of the mouth of the Caddo River. It has two colleges, Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University.

The city is on the east edge of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. Arkadelphia is south of the mouth of the Caddo River. It has two colleges, Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University.

It has a hospital, Baptist Medical Center-Arkadelphia.

It has a hospital, Baptist Medical Center-Arkadelphia, and an [[Amtrak]] train station.

== History ==

== History ==

William Blakeley built a blacksmith shop and home in 1808 on a bluff overlooking the Ouachita River from the west.

William Blakeley built a blacksmith shop and home in 1808 on a bluff overlooking the Ouachita River from the west.

In 1809 or a short time later, John Hemphill built and began operating a a salt works just across the Ouachita River. Hemphill's salt works are said to be Arkansas's first industry, according to a marker placed beside the site on Highway 7 South.  

In 1809 or a short time later, John Hemphill built and began operating a a salt works just across the Ouachita River. Hemphill's salt works are said to be[[ Arkansas]]' first industry, according to a marker placed beside the site on Highway 7 South.  

Arkadelphia was known as Blakeleytown until 1839, when the settlement adopted its present name. The name’s originator and precise date of origin are lost.  

Arkadelphia was known as Blakeleytown until 1839, when the settlement adopted its present name. The name’s originator and precise date of origin are lost.