Located in northern Arkansas on the Spring River, Hardy (Sharp County) was established in 1883 as a result of the construction of the Kansas City, Springfield, and Memphis Railroad. The town emerged in the twentieth century as a popular tourist destination for Mid-southerners seeking the natural beauty of the Ozark foothills. Named for railroad contractor James A. Hardy of Batesville (Independence County), the town was developed on 600 acres of land by early settler Walker Clayton in 1883 to service the needs of travelers. Residents wanted to name the town Forty Islands after a nearby creek, but the U.S. Post Office insisted on Hardy because that designation was used to deliver mail to railroad workers in the area. This was not the last time an outsider influenced the direction of Hardy’s development. Hardy, Arkansas, is located in Sharp County in the north-central portion of the state. The town sits at 377 ft. elevation and has a population of 772 (2010 US Census). Founded in 1883, Hardy began as a railroad town and grew into one of the premier tourist destinations in the region. Because of its beautiful setting on the Spring River, the town has always been a mecca for those wishing to trade the hustle and bustle of the city for relaxation and fun. Today, Hardy is home to historic buildings, artisans, antique shops, museums, restaurants, lodging options and river outfitters.