Subiaco, Arkansas

Subiaco is located at 35°17′38″N 93°38′17″W (35.293759, -93.638034).[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), all land.

As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 439 people, 147 households, and 115 families residing in the town. The population density was 238.3 inhabitants per square mile (92.1/km²). There were 167 housing units at an average density of 90.6 per square mile (35.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town is 93.62% White, 3.64% Black or African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 0.68% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 147 households, out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.9% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 122.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 131.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,182, and the median income for a family was $40,417. Males had a median income of $25,125 versus $17,969 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,012. About 6.0% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 36.0% of those age 65 or over.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Subiaco has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[7]

The concept of a new town for this section of Logan County, Arkansas, arose from the desire of local citizens to lobby for a railroad connection. The town of Spierlerville, AR, had the local post office in the region and the Spieler family has lobbied for the railroad to pass through their town. The Prior of Subiaco Abbey, Fr. Wolfgang Schlumpf, had lobbied for the railroad to pass by the quarry of his Abbey in order to make it commercially viable. The railroad company chose a much more level route that passed to the south of the Abbey. Subiaco Abbey then donated 80 acres of land to form the new town of Subiaco where a railroad depot would be located. The depot and a new store founded by Conrad Elsken would form the basis for the new town. A new Subiaco Development Company would be founded that sought to promote the land to the general public. The first train arrived on June 22, 1909. The official inauguration would be on June 30, 1909, with Abbot Ignatius Conrad of Subiaco Abbey driving in the last spike. The Abbot, in full vestments, greeted passengers, blessed the train, and assisted in driving in the last spike. Festivities included music by both the Subiaco band and the band from nearby Spielerville.[8]