Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoors activities are readily available in nearby national forests and state parks.

The city was founded in 1828 when Walter Cauthron, an early explorer of the Arkansas Territory, built a log cabin and store along the Petit Jean River.

[4] On March 23, 2008, a fire set off multiple explosions at the Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Booneville.

According to local authorities the explosions caused an ammonia gas leak that forced 180 people from their homes.

The fire was reportedly started from an accident caused by welders doing repairs on fans in a freezer section.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.1 square miles (11 km2), all land.

Five United States Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas are available for public lake access.

In 1874, as a response to needs for higher learning in western Arkansas, the Fort Smith District of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, authorized the establishment of the Fort Smith District High School in Booneville, 40 miles to the west.

After the school closed, a group of residents and business leaders formed the Booneville Education Association and acquired 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land in the northwest part of town.

Rights-of-way for downtown city streets dedicated during the original town plan are wider than in most communities.

[13] The Booneville Water Department also collects and treats wastewater in accordance with a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued and administrated by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.