The Swiss were found in Arkansas as early as the 1820s, when individuals came to the territory to purchase land for settlement. However, the largest tide of Swiss migration to the state occurred in the 1880s because of a land shortage in their homelands.
The Missouri Pacific Railroad advertised fertile delta lands in Phillips County for settlement at low prices, and the Swiss living in Kentucky were tempted by the  offer. These families came to the state and settled around Barton and Hicks. They made a living by farming, constructing railroad cross ties and selling cords of wood to the railroad company. In their native land, the Swiss had been craftsmen, but had very little chance to practice and make a living off of their crafts in their new homes. For example, one man made caskets by request, but not as a livelihood. They did well as farmers and engaged in cotton production and winemaking from the apples, peaches, plums, cherries and grapes they raised.
Like other immigrants, the Swiss did encounter discrimination. The people of the Delta often referred to this group as "the Dutchman." Of course, this term was a misnomer since the Swiss are not of this nationality. Regardless, the Swiss bonded with other groups in the area that shared their ethnicity. They bonded with the Jewish population since they spoke the same Germanic language.
What sustained the Swiss in the Delta? Ida Steiner reflected that their "community [was based on] love. If you didn't have something you went to your neighbor and they would gladly share it with you. They all came here and they all knew how to work and they knew how to help each other out."
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