Lonoke's history begins with the advance of Union troops through Central Arkansas during the American Civil War.

After the war, it was decided by the city leaders of Brownsville that a new town should be formed by the nearby railroad so that those who wished to stay could do so.

However, due to a misprint in the Lonoke Democrat newspaper, the town's name was printed as Lonoak.

Lonoke maintained a sustainable population through the support of its agricultural based economy until World War II.

In addition to the mayor, the city's clerk, treasurer, attorney and district judge are also popularly elected.

Since the state provided only limited funding, the citizens of Lonoke raised an additional $10,000 through private contributions.

Together with the state funds, this money made it possible to start a free public school in the town, offering classes for ten months each year.

[6] The city of Lonoke lacks post secondary institutions due to its small population and rural nature.

According to the National Institute for Higher Education, Lonoke High School has an average ACT score of 22.