IZARD COUNTY, was the 13th county to be formed in the territory of Arkansas on October 27, 1825. It is located in the Ozark Mountains of North Central Arkansas, encompasses a land area of 574 square miles ranging in elevation from 280 to 1124 feet. It was created from part of Independence County and named for George Izard, second territorial Governor of Arkansas. Izard County contains 367,040 acres of land.

MELBOURNE, was formerly named Mill Creek. The first Post Office was established in Mill Creek on January 14, 1854. Melbourne became the County Seat on May 10, 1875 with a population of 300. The name was changed from Mill Creek to Melbourne on February 16, 1876. The population in 1995 was 1539. Melbourne is 131 miles north of Little Rock, the State Capitol. Batesville, in nearby Independence County, is 30 miles southeast of Melbourne. Horseshoe Bend is approximately 22 miles from Melbourne and 90 miles northwest of Jonesboro. Calico Rock is located on the White River on the Northwestern edge of the county, is the county's third largest community. Noted for its scenic bluffs and trout fishing, Calico Rock is a beautiful 25 mile drive southeast of Mountain Home and only 15 miles from Lake Norfork.