LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Helena-West Helena, Arkansas

As its hyphenated name implies, Helena-West Helena was formed from the merger of two previously existing towns, which became effective Jan. 1, 2006. The origins of the two prior towns can be traced to separate eras in American history.

Helena was located on the Mississippi River and began its emergence as a major port shortly after steamboats began traveling the river in 1811. The agricultural wealth of Arkansas's eastern Delta region flowed through Helena and it was there that the culture of the Deep South made its most thorough and enduring penetration into Arkansas.

Pinned between the river on the east and Crowley's Ridge immediately to the west, Helena was unable to accommodate the industrialization that began reaching the area in the early 20th century. Thus, West Helena was founded in 1909 to the west of Crowley's Ridge around the factories and mills for which Helena had lacked the space.

At Helena-West Helena, the mythic power of the Mississippi can be seen in the River Reach Park. The Delta Cultural Center, a state museum, has exhibits detailing the natural and human history of the Delta region, including the 1863 Battle of Helena, and Helena-West Helena's role in the development of blues music. Helena contributed seven generals to the Confederacy, three of whom are buried in Helena-West Helena's Confederate Cemetery. Civil War artifacts and period paintings of the generals can be viewed at the Phillips County Museum.

Other Helena-West Helena attractions include a large collection of antebellum and Victorian homes, including three that operate as bed and breakfast inns and the 1896 Queen Anne Pillow-Thompson House, which is open for tours. Two national scenic byways pass through the town: the Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway. The byways both extend north from Helena-West Helena into the St. Francis National Forest. The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival, is held each October, continuing Helena-West Helena's blues legacy. The Wild Hog Music Festival and Motorcycle Rally is held each April.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Confederate Cemetery

Historic cemetery lies on the upsurge of Crowley's Ridge at the northern edge of town. Burial place of Helena resident Gen. Patrick Cleburne, known as "the Stonewall Jackson of the West."

Helena-West Helena, AR Cemeteries

Phillips County Museum

Directions: Downtown Historic District Built in 1891;

Helena-West Helena, AR Museums

Historic Public Library

Oldest public building in Phillips County;

Helena-West Helena, AR Historic Libraries

Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway

National scenic byway follows the 198-mile length of the Delta's only "highlands;"

Helena-West Helena, AR Scenic Views

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

The Great River Road, Arkansas's portion of the Mississippi River Parkway, runs for 363 miles paralleling the Mississippi River in Eastern Arkansas. This scenic highway is composed of these highways: Ark. 82, U.S. 65, Ark. 4, Ark. 1, U.S. 165, Ark. 316, Ark. 318, Ark. 20, Ark. 44

Helena-West Helena, AR Scenic Byways

Things to do near Helena-West Helena, AR

Central Delta Depot & Museum

Located in a beautifully restored 1912 Union Railroad Depot on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum contains ...

Malco Theatre

Restored cinema hosts little theater productions, vintage films....

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

The Great River Road, Arkansas's portion of the Mississippi River Parkway, runs for 363 miles paralleling the Mississippi Riv...

Blytheville Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Desha County Museum

Ten buildings furnished with artifacts of the Delta; an agricultural building, three log houses, plantation commissary....