The History of Diamond City

    On a high bank of the White River, between two creeks, East and West Sugarloaf, was a place called Dubuque or Dubuque's Landing. From 1843 to 1870, this was the last stop for the northbound steamboats. Except when the river was in flood stage, it was too dangerous to proceed toward Missouri and Western Arkansas.

    Freight and passengers unloaded here then took a mule or wagon train to their further destination. Most of the freight was food staples and machines or farm implements. Dubuque was also known for it's race track and the violence associated with the bets lost by some backers of their favorite nag. In reports from early settlers, the river bottoms were covered with timber and cane brakes. All kinds of wild animals lived in the woods.

    Lead Hill, whose name was taken from the mining pursued, became the most prominent city in the area, until shortly after the Civil War and Dubque faded from sight. The first settlers were a tough and hardy bunch that did not take their grievances to the law. Many deaths were attributed to insult, injury, and revenge and few were the cases brought to court. During the Civil War, there were some skirmishes in the area, but no major battles.

    In 1952, the White River was dammed at a place called Bull Shoals. The lake formed by the dam was called Bull Shoals Lake and now covers many of the vales and hamlets of the first settlers. Lead Hill was moved from it's location, to the place, that is now where the State Highways of 7 and 14 cross. Fish swim where the people used to walk and ride. Because of the high bluff, Diamond City is at the old Dubuque site. For a long time, only the people living here knew of the abundance of game and the fine fishing to be had on the peninsula formed by the lake. In the 1960's, Henry Deitz saw the possibilities of developing and Diamond City came into being. Diamond City is now a town of 600 plus friendly people, guarded by the lake on three sides and Lead Hill on the fourth.