Helena and Phillips County (Images of America) - Softcover

Branch, Bill; Paula H Oliver On Behalf Of The Delta Cultural Center

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738590762 ISBN 13: 9780738590769

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC), 2013

Synopsis

Formed in 1820, Phillips County was named for Sylvanus Phillips, an early settler; Helena, the county seat, was named for Phillip's daughter and was incorporated in 1833. Helena was a major river town and was the economic and social center of the region. Lumber mills, cotton-oil mills, railroads, and river traffic contributed to a thriving economy. Helena's various ethnic groups played an important role in society and commerce, including African Americans, Chinese, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, and others. Situated on the Mississippi River and the southern tip of Crowley's Ridge, Helena's history includes Hernando de Soto, Jacques Marquette, and seven confederate generals. The rich alluvial soil along the river attracted wealthy planters who transformed the forests into productive plantations and luxurious homes. In more recent years, Phillips County has suffered the loss of jobs and a declining population, resulting in a struggling economy.

About this title

About the Author:

Author Bill Branch is the curator of the Delta Cultural Center, and author Paula H. Oliver, a native of Helena, is the center's public information officer. The Delta Cultural Center is located in Helena and has locations in several historic structures. The center's mission is to research, document, interpret, and present the heritage of the people of the Arkansas Delta.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0738590762
• ISBN 13: 9780738590769
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128