Historic Roots • Community Traditions • Small-Town Arkansas
Bradley is a small, historic town in northern Lafayette County with deep roots tied to the early settlement of Southwest Arkansas. The community reflects a traditional small-town character shaped by family ties, generational continuity, and a strong sense of place.
Though modest in size, Bradley holds an outsized role in the county’s historical identity. Its proximity to the Conway family homestead and cemetery—now preserved as a state park—connects the town directly to Arkansas’s earliest period of state leadership.
Today, Bradley continues to serve as a quiet residential community, valued for its stability, heritage, and connection to the broader county.
Bradley recorded a population of approximately 482 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census and encompasses roughly 0.78 square miles. The town sits at an elevation of about 305 feet above sea level.
The population reflects a mix of Black or African American and White (non-Hispanic) residents, consistent with broader demographic patterns in Lafayette County. Housing density and household size reinforce the town’s residential, small-scale character.
Bradley’s compact footprint and stable population contribute to its identity as a close-knit community where long-term residency and local familiarity remain common.
Bradley is served by the Lafayette County School District, which provides K–12 education through a centralized district model. Elementary students attend school in Lewisville, while middle and high school students attend campuses in Stamps.
School transportation services connect Bradley students to district facilities, allowing residents access to countywide academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities.
Lafayette County School District 712 Chestnut Street Lewisville, AR 71845 Phone: (870) 921-5500 Website: lcscougars.org
Water and sewer services in Bradley are provided through municipal systems. Electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services are delivered by regional providers serving Lafayette County.
Utility availability and capacity may vary by address, particularly for properties near town limits or in surrounding rural areas. Service verification is typically coordinated directly with providers.
Bradley’s local government supports basic municipal services and community coordination. While the city does not maintain a standalone website, municipal operations and services are managed locally through city leadership and public offices.
Located just outside Bradley, Conway Cemetery State Park preserves the family cemetery of James Sevier Conway, Arkansas’s first governor. The site is one of Lafayette County’s most significant historic landmarks and a defining feature of the area.
The park provides a quiet, reflective setting that connects visitors directly to Arkansas’s early political history while reinforcing Bradley’s role as a steward of the county’s heritage.
Official site: arkansasstateparks.com/parks/conway-cemetery-state-park
