{"id":242,"date":"2014-11-24T17:27:55","date_gmt":"2014-11-24T17:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gtedc.org\/?page_id=242"},"modified":"2016-11-03T16:48:26","modified_gmt":"2016-11-03T16:48:26","slug":"magnolia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gtedc.org\/columbia-county\/magnolia\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnolia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Cecil<\/a>
Cecil Traylor Wilson Gardens provide a great place to relax just off the downtown square.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Home to the World Champion Steak Cook-off, Magnolia is the county seat of Columbia County and has a population of approximately 11,489. The annual\u00a0Magnolia Blossom Festival<\/a>\u00a0brings thousands to town each May where arts and crafts, music, and the World Championship Steak Cook-off provide a weekend of fun.
\nFounded in 1853, the city\u2019s early years relied heavily on farming as the chief economic resource. In March 1938, everything changed as oil was discovered just east of the city. The Magnolia Oil Field was the largest producing field by volume in the nation during World War II. Oil and other natural resources still drive the economy of Magnolia today.<\/p>\n

The downtown square is filled with locally owned shops and restaurants and is a great place to spend a few hours during your visit.<\/p>\n

Culture<\/h3>\n

Magnolia has a rich tradition of supporting the arts. Not only are cultural events available through Southern Arkansas University\u2019s music and theatre programs, but activities are also available through other community organizations. Magnolia Arts operates a center on the downtown square and offers community theatre and other events throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Industry<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0\u00a0largest employers in the Magnolia area include:<\/p>\n