1818Government
== History ==
=== Early history ===
The area was settled by David Boyd and Thomas Martin in 1818.
1819Architecture
After Arkansas became a territory in 1819, Daniel and Thomas Phillips constructed a lumber yard in the community to serve as a fuel depot for traffic along the Arkansas River.
1831Architecture
In 1831, a post office was constructed for the community, at the time known as Phillips Landing.
1845Government
Van Buren was incorporated on January 4, 1845.
1857Government
Walker Institute was established near Van Buren in 1857.
1862Military
=== American Civil War ===
On December 28, 1862, Union and Confederate forces clashed in and around Van Buren, resulting in a defeat for the Confederates, led by Major General T.
1899History
The lowest temperature recorded was −15 °F (−26.1 °C), in 1899.
1918Military
Jack, who served in the United States Army with the 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment and was killed in action on September 22, 1918 in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in World War I.
1925Government
=== Veterans ===
VFW Post 1322 located in Van Buren was founded on February 13, 1925, making it the oldest VFW Post in the State of Arkansas.
1936History
The city's highest temperature was 113 °F (45.0 °C), recorded in 1936.
1996Disaster
=== 1996 tornado ===
On April 21, 1996, at 11:12 p.m., an F3 tornado hit the Fort Smith/Van Buren area causing extensive damage.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,986 people, 6,947 households, and 5,182 families residing in the city.
2018Culture
In 2018, the town dedicated the Veterans Memorial Plaza in the heart of the downtown area.
2019Disaster
=== 2019 flood ===
In late May to early June 2019, the Arkansas River flooded near Van Buren, cresting at nearly 41 feet (12 m), which is 21 feet (6.4 m) above the flood stage.
2020History
With a 4% growth rate from 2020 to 2023, Van Buren is Arkansas’s eighth-fastest growing city.
2023History
According to 2023 population estimates from the U.S.