Hempstead County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Arkansas. It was established in 1818 and is named after the town of Hempstead in New York. The county seat is Hope, which is known for its rich history and as the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The county covers an area of approximately 1,000 square miles and features a mix of forests, rivers, and agricultural land. It is part of the Arkansas Timberlands region and has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.