in the scenic landscapes of southern Scott County, Y-City is a small, unincorporated community with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. This quaint locale, known for its unique name and picturesque surroundings, offers a glimpse into the pioneering spirit of Arkansas.
Long identified as "the place you turn off of Highway 71 to go to Hot Springs", Y City is now not much more than a dot on the map, but the community has a rich history that dates back centuries.
The Fourche La Fave River, which flows through the area originates in the Ouachita Mountains near Boles in Scott County and flows east-northeast for about 140 miles before joining the Arkansas River.
Historically, the river has been a site of human habitation since around 10,000 BC. During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, French explorers traveled through western Arkansas, including the area around Y-City, The river valley attracted early American settlers, with
The first true settlers began arriving in Y-City and its surrounding areas during the late 1830s and early 1840s. These early pioneers were drawn by the fertile land and the promise of a new life in the burgeoning state of Arkansas. The community gradually grew as more families moved in, establishing farms and small businesses.
The earliest permanent settlers included George C. Bradburn who served as the first and only postmaster when the La Fave post office was established in Y-City in 1880 Bradburn served in this role until the post office was discontinued in 1882.
Elijah and William Kelley were notable early settlers who contributed to the farming development of the area as were John and Isaac White, Oliver Brewer Sr. and Henry Brewer, and George Henry, all early pioneers to the region who were involved in various agricultural practices.
Y-City’s name is derived from the distinctive Y-shaped junction where U.S. Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 270 meet. . This unique formation has become a defining feature of the community, symbolizing the crossroads that have brought people together for generations.
Situated along Mill Creek, a tributary of the Fourche La Fave River, Y-City developed as a hub for local agriculture and trade. The creek provided a vital water source for farming and livestock, contributing to the area’s prosperity. Over time, the community expanded, with the construction of homes, schools, and churches that served as the heart of Y-City.
One notable spot in Y City was the Y City Truck Stop, which served as a popular rest area for truckers and travelers passing through the region. This truck stop was known for its friendly service and hearty meals, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The truck stop featured a restaurant that offered a variety of classic American dishes, including breakfast items, burgers, and home-cooked meals. It was a convenient place for truckers to refuel both their vehicles and themselves, providing a much-needed break during long hauls.
The restaurant has been closed for several years.
Novelist Wade Rivers published “Y City” in 2009, the story set in a fictionalized version of the area. It's a tale about a "Leah Taylor', a stunning woman married to Rip, a wealthy but brutal man.
When tragedy strikes their ranch, the community is thrown into turmoil, with passions flaring and the local prosecutor and Leah’s daughter stirring the pot. Sheriff Hollis Brown is left to untangle the web of conflicting testimonies and motives to uncover the truth.
The book delves into themes of justice, revenge, and the complexities of small-town life.
While Y City is currently not much more than a wide spot on the highway, the community has served as a beacon and a crossroads to generations of Arkansan's in the western part of the state.
