2000
The federal census shows Fayetteville’s population to be 58,047, an increase of 38 percent from the 1990 census. Washington County’s total population was 157,715.
2002
April 11 — The University of Arkansas announced that the Walton
Family Charitable Support Foundation had donated $300 million to endow an
honors college, attract new faculty and graduate students, and support the
research mission of the university. The gift was the largest ever to a public
university and the fifth largest to any public or private university.
May — Reconstruction of Dickson Street began this month, paid for in part by a $1.5 million federal grant. The new design was completed in the latter part of 2003.
August 27 — The new Washington Regional Medical Center opens at North Hills Medical Park.
2004
Thousands of residents line up at the Wal-Mart on Joyce Street to get President Clinton’s
new book, “My Life,” and an autograph from the former president.
The Blair Library, the newly renamed public library, opens in its new building on School Avenue.
Veronica Campbell, a University of Arkansas student from Jamaica, wins gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens. Deena Drossin Kastor, a former UA track runner, wins the bronze medal in the Olympic marathon. Chuck Hemingway, another former UA high jumper, wins the silver medal in the Olympic high jump.
2005
June 30 — The University of Arkansas successfully concludes its Campaign for the Twenty-First Century by raising more than $1 billion for scholarships, capital projects and its endowment.
