Stone County was created April 21, 1873, from parts of Izard, Independence, Searcy and Van Buren counties and was named for the abundant rock formations of the area. The county seat is Mountain View. The landscape of the county is rugged Ozark Mountains. Stone County is known for two major assets: its mountainous beauty and the culture of its mountain folks. The economic base is poultry, livestock, wood products, and light manufacturing along with tourism. The countryside is as unique as the people. The Ozark National Forest and the Blanchard Spring Caverns are poplar in the area. The Caverns, known as the cave discovery of the century and one of nature’s outstanding works of art is still in the process of formation and includes the world’s largest flow-stone formation. Two trails guided by knowledgeable Forest Service guides are open to visitors. The Ozark Folk Center is a unique state park. A 637-acre site has an 80-acre entertainment and cultural history complex devoted to preserving Ozark crafts, music, and heritage. It features a lodge, swimming pool, picnicking sites, hiking trails, arts and crafts displays, conference facilities, a restaurant, and a 1,000 seat music auditorium. Every corner of Mountain View rings with mountain music. Many visitors come to Mountain View each year to relax and enjoy the area where the countryside is as unique as the people.