Phillips County, Arkansas

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Location: Phillips County, Arkansas
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Contents 1 Welcome to the Phillips County, Arkansas Project! 1.1 Maps and Boundaries 1.2 Communities 1.2.1 Cities 1.2.2 Towns 1.2.3 Census-designated place 1.3 Unincorporated Places 1.3.1 Townships: 1.4 Historical Landmarks 1.5 National Protected Areas 1.6 Prominent Families and Surnames 1.7 Records and Resources

Welcome to the Phillips County, Arkansas Project!

Phillips County, Arkansas is located in the eastern part of the state and was formed on May 1, 1820. It is named after Sylvanus Phillips, a prominent landowner in the area at the time. The county has a rich history, with pre-Columbian sites dating back to the Mississippian culture, which existed in the region from about 800 to 1600 AD.

During the Civil War, Phillips County was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Helena in 1863, which was a Union victory. After the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of cotton as a major cash crop.

In the 20th century, Phillips County was the site of significant events in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1949, the case of the "Elaine 12" began when a group of African American farmers were falsely accused of murder and put on trial in the county. The case drew national attention and helped to expose the injustices and discrimination faced by black residents of the county.

In recent years, Phillips County has continued to grow and develop, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sector. The county is also home ot a number of historical sites and museums that commemorate its rich history.

Maps and Boundaries

Phillips County, Arkansas is located in the eastern part of the state. It is bordered by:

• Lee County, Arkansas (north)
• Tunica County, Mississippi (northeast)
• Bolivar County, Mississippi (southeast)
• Desha County, Arkansas (south)
• Arkansas County, Arkansas (southeast)
• Monroe County, Arkansas (northwest)

Communities

Cities

Elaine	Helena
Lake View	Marvell

Towns

Lexa

Census-designated place

Unincorporated Places

Modoc

Popular Grove

Lambrook

Townships:

Big Creek	Cleburne	Cleveland	Cypress
Hickory Ridge	Hicksville	Horner	Lake
Marion	Mooney	St. Francis	Spring Creek
Tappan

Historical Landmarks

Allin House

• Allin House - The Allin House is a historic house located at 515 Columbia Street in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. It is a two-story brick five bay structure with a rear ell having a two-storey front porch and originally a real ell shaped porch. The roof is a low hip with a flat center section. The house is an unusual transitional design having a Classical, almote Antebellum plan with Victorian trim and detailing particularly across the front two-story porch. The house was built around 1856. The house is architecturally significant because of its transitional design, its relatively small size with is proportioned detailing. The house had several owners, but it was bought by Richard Allin in 1889 and is named after him.

Almer Store

• Almore Store - Build in 1870's the store is constructed with cypress horizontal planks laid between vertical grooved posts. Mr. and Mrs Ulrich Almer, both Swiss immigrants built a flatboat in Iowa and floated down the Mississippi River. After arriving in Helena built the small a small house and later this house was dismantled and the wood used to build what is now known as the Almer Store.

Altman House

• Altman House - The Altman House, located in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas was built in 1914. A one-on-one half-story house. It is a unique design that borrows from several of the "high-fashion" styles of the era. The two most prominent influences are the Art Deco and the Craftsman movement and the Classical Revival. The house was built for Gustave Altman, a prominent member of the Jewish community in the city. Altman's wife, Estelle, who served as her own "architect" is attributed for the unique design.

Civil War Batteries of Helena, Arkansas

• Wikipedia:Civil_War_batteries_of_Helena,_Arkansas - The Civil War batteries of Helena, Arkansas were a series of fortifications constructed by the Confederate Army to defend the city of Helena during the American Civil War. The batteries were built in 1862 and 1863 and were designed to protect the city from Union naval attacks on the Mississippi River. They consisted of several artillery pieces including one 10-inch columbiad, one 8-inch columbiad, one 32 pounder, and several smaller guns. The batteries were manned by Confederate soldiers and were used to repel several Union naval attacks on the city, but were ultimately captured by Union forces in July 1863 during the Siege of Helena. The remains of the batteries can still be seen in Helena today.

Beech Street Historic District

• Wikipedia:Beech_Street_Historic_District_(Helena–West_Helena,_Arkansas) - is a large residential historic district in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The district has long been a fashionable residential area with a diversity of residential architecture, dating from 1858 to 1935. Colonial Revival predominating most of the structures. It includes 133 buildings, of which about 80 are historically significant.

Centennial Baptist Church

• Centennial Baptist Church - was the home base for Reverend (Dr.) Elias Camp Morris from dedication of the churh in 1905 until his death. Dr. Morris was president of the National Baptist Convention (NBC), the largest African-American organization in the United States at the end of the 19th Century.

Cherry Street Historic District

• Cherry Stree Historic District - is a historic neigherhood, commercial, and entertainment district serving the downtown of Helena, Arkansas. The history of Cherry Stret is tied to the blues heritage of the area beginning in the 1940s. Cherry Street has hosted the King Biscuit Blues Festival annually since 1986.
• Chicago Mill Company Office Building - is a single-story, wood-frame structure designed in a restrained version of the Craftsman style. It is distinguished by its low, spreading, asphalt-shingle hipped roof that extends out and over the wrap-aournd front porch. It is significant due to its associate with the Chicago Mill Company, one of the largest wood processing industries to install a facility in West Helena during the boom years and one of the few to survive the Depression era of the 1930s.

Coolidge House

• Coolidge House - The Coolidge House was built in 1880 in Helena. It is an example of a Queen Anne cottage. It was built for S. C. Moore as a gift for his daughter, Anna Leslie Moore, on the occasion of her marriage to Charles Coolidge Jr. It is a one-and-a-half story frame structure with asymmetrical floorplan. It has three steeply pitched hipped roofs from which the gables extend. Four tall interior brick chimneys with decorative banding pierce the roofs, with two etending above the roof line.

Denison House

• Denison House - located on 427 Garland Avenue in West Helena, Arkansas. It is a one-and-one-half story, brick masonry home designed in a simplified version of the Colonial Revival. Constructed by a local builder it is in one of the first developed residential areas of the city. It was built for the first mayor of Helena, J. W. Denison. It one of the few surviving historic homes of this style in West Helena.

Estevan Hall House

• Estevan Hall House - The house was built in the 1820's, but has undergone extensive alterations. Still it is probably the oldest structure in Phillips County. The original owner Fleetwood Hanks was active in county, territorial and state government. He was the Sheriff of Phillips County and elected to the council in the Sixth Territory. The house bears the name of the original owners great-great-grandaughter Estevan Hall.

Faust House

• Faust House - located at 114 Richmond Hill in West Helena, Arkansas. It is a single-story, wood-frame brick masonry home designed in the Spanish Revival style. It is one of the best examples of a Spanish Revival style in West Helena. It was built around 1924.

Jacob Trieber Federal Building

• Jacob Trieber Federal Building, United States Post Office, and United States Court House - is a historic government building in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. It is a Modern International style three-story building. Designed by Edward F. Brueggerman and Elmer A. Stuck & Accoiates, and built between 1959 and 1961. It is named after Jacob Trieber, a judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas. It is an example of the Intenational sytle buildings.

First Baptist Church

• First Baptist Church - is a historic building located in Marvell, Arkansas. It is a single-story, brick masonry church building designed in a simplified, vernacular interpretation of the Collegiate Gothic style. Its flat roof is set behind the brick parapet walls and is covered with asphalt roll. It is one of the best examples of a Collegiate Gothic style building in Marvell. The name of the architect is unknown, but the contractor was a Mr Stratton who built in 1925. It is the only surviving Collegiate Gothic style building in Marvell.

Henry and Cornelia Ford Farm

• Henry and Cornelia Ford Farm - located on Phillips County Road 249 northeast of Lexa in rural Phillips County, Arkansas. The farm complex consists of the main house, bar, shed, well and sorghum mill, studio and associated farm plantings. Built in the early 1950s the construction was overseen by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). It is an excellent representation of the mid-20th century family farm in the 1950s era.

Gemmill-Faust House

• Gemmill-Faust House - located at 321 Street Andrew's Terace in West Helena, Arkansas. It is a two-and-one-half story, wood-frame and brick masonry home designed in the Prairie style. The house is locally significant for its style and the fact that it is one of the few surviving homes of this architectural style in West Helena.

Delta Cultural Center

• Delta Cultural Center - located on the southeast corner of Missouri and Natchez Streets at the southern end of the downtown area and paralleling the levee, the Missouri-Pacific Depot in Helena is a fine unaltered example of early-20th century depot architecture in Arkansas. Constructed in 1915 of red brick and limestone accents, this two-story building exhibits detailing from the Craftsman period as well as subtle Classical Revival influences. Originally designed to serve as the regional headquarters for the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Souther Railrodad. Constructed in 1915, it is one of the finest examples of architecture which caracterized that company's construction in the early days of the 20th century.

Helena Library and Museum

• Helena Library and Museum - In 1891, the Women's Library Association of Helena, Arkansas constructed this two-and-one-half story building to house their library. As the oldest public building in Helena, it is an important local landmark. The Helena Museum is one of the most important local museums in Arkansas. Displays include Indian artifacts, personal effects of several individuals prominent in Helena's history, Civil War relics, early documents relating to Phillips County history and many other items.

Helena National Guard Armory

• Helena National Guard Armory - located at 511 Miller Street the building is a one-story, brick-masonry structure constructed in 1937 and designed in the Art Deco style of architecture. Its significance is its association with the history of the Arkansas Army National Guard and the Works Progress Admistration (WPA).

Sidney H. Horner House

• Sidney H. Horner House - Built in 1881 by Michael Brennam it is located aproximately six blocks west of the Mississipi River in Helena, Arkansas. Sidney H. Horner, a member of an early Helena family, was part of a banking firm established by his father, John Sidney Horner. The house is an Italianate style made of hand-moded brick. It has 7 fireplaces and oak parquet floors. It is known today as the Horner-Gladin House.

Keesee House

• Keesee House - Built in 1901 for Thomas Woodfin Keesee, this house has an asymmetrical plan with classical details, symbolizing the architectural transition that occurred in the early 20th century. Representatve of changing architectural tastes at the turn of the century it has features of both Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles. Thomas was the son of John William Keesee, a prosperous farmer in the county, and was raised on a plantation outside of the town. The Keesee engaged in farming and cotton buying. Thomas and his family actively participated in these enterprises, and his home reflects the success one could achieve.

Richard L. Kitchens Post No. 14

• Richard L. Kitchens Post No. 41 - Constructed in 1922, the Richard L. Kitchens Post in Helena is one of the oldest American Legion buildings in Arkansas. Designed in a rustic style, the Helena Legion Hut is constructed of cypress logs notched and joined at the corners. It was designed by legionnaire H. H. Walters and the contractor who built the post was E. T. Walker. Much of the work was done by local members and most of the materials were donated from the cypress farm of Robert Gordon. The post is name after Richard L. Kitchens a Helena doughboy who was a private in the 312th Field Signal Battalion of the 87th Division. While enroute to France on a troop ship, he developed influenza and died on September 18, 1918, and was buried in the American Cemetery in Pons, France. The American Legion Hut in Helena has served veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the war in Vietnam. It stands as a monument to 20th century american military veterans.
• Lakeview Resettlement Project Historic District - The Lake View resettlement project in Phillips County, Arkansas was a part of the New Deal program during the 1930s. The project was intended to improve the living conditions of African-American farmers by providing them with new land and modern farming techniques. The project involved the resettlement of around 1,500 African-American farmers from overcrowded and poor areas of the Mississippi Delta region to a new development in Phillips County, Arkansas know as Lake View. The project was intended to improve the living conditions of the resettled farmers by providing them with better land and modern farming methods, as well as access to schools, hospitals, and other amenities.

However, the projet faced many challenges and was ultimately considered a failure. The land was not as fertile as promised, and the farmers faced difficulty in making a living from their new farms. The project also faced opposition from white landowners and residents in the area, who did not want to see an influx of African-American farmers in the region. Additionally, the farmers who were resettled were not alwasy able to adapt to the new farming methods and struggled to make a living. As a result, many of the farmers who were resettled ended up leaving the area and returning to their original homes.

The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

Littl Cypress Creek Bridge

• Little Cypress Creek Bridge - Located on Phillips County Road 66G at the point where it crosses the Little Cypress Creek, the Little Cypress Creek Bridge is a masonry subsstructure bridge that is distinguished by its use of textured metal deck plating and an aluminum multi-beam substructure, all of which rests upon reinforced concrete piers. It consist of two spans, each of which measures 15 feet in length. Construsted in 1942, it is associated with the World War II Era historic context.

Mayo_House

• Mayo House - Located at 302 Elm Street in Marvell, the Mayo House was constructed between 1917 and 1919 in the Colonial Revival Style. It is a one-and-one half story residence. H. B. Mayo bought the land in 1911 and made his home there.

Myers House

• Myers House - located at 221 St. Andrew's Terrace is a two-and-one-half story, wood frame and brick masonry residence designed in a synthesis of the Craftsman and Prairie styles.

Nelson House

• Nelson House - The Nelson House at 303 St. Andrew's Terrace is a two-and-one-half story, wood frame and brick masonry residence designed in the traditional vernacular idion known as the American Foursquare. It is one of the best known examples of a popular traditional home in Helena.

Perry Street Historic District

• Perry Street Historic District - is a historic neighborhood located in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The district is situated on the east side of the Mississippi River, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Perry Street Historic District is known for its large collection of Victorian-era-houses, many of which were built in 1880 and 1920. The district features a variety of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman. The neighborhood was a thriving community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was home to many prominent citizens of Helena-West Helena, including politicians, business leaders, and professionals.

The district is also notable for its association with the African American community, many of the houses were built by and for the African American community during the period of segregation. The district played an important role in the African American community, many of the residents were teachers, doctors, and other professionals who helped shape the community in the early 20th century.

Today, the Perry Street Historic District is considered a valuable piece of Helena-West Helena's history and culture, and it is home to many well-preserved historic houses that are open to the public for tours. The district is also home to several annual events, such as Perry Street Fair and the Christmas home tour, that attract vistors from all over the state.

Phillips County Courthouse

• Phillips County Courthouse - is a historic courthouse located in Phillips County, Arkansas. The building was built in 1891 and is a good example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. The courthouse was designed by the architect Charles L. Thompson, who also designed several other courthouse in Arkansas.

The Phillips County Courthouse is a three-story red brick building with a central clock tower and a hipped roof. The building features a varity of decorative elements, including arched windows, stone trim, and a large front entrance with a projecting gable. The courhouse was used as a court and county government office for many years.

The Phillips County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In the early 21st century, the building was renovated and restored to its original condition. Today, the Phillips County Courthouse is considered an important piece of architectural history and is used as a office and event space.

Phillips County Penal Historic District

• Phillips County Penal Farm Historic District - encompasses a former prison facility in Phillips County, Arkansas. The complex consists of three concrete structure, a water tower, and a concrete foundation pad. The main building is a cst concrete structure, two stories in height, with Plain Tradition and International styling. The facility was built in 1935-37 with funding from the Works Progress Adminstration (WPA) and served as a penal facility until 1973.

Jerome Bonaparte Pillow House

• Jermoe Bonaparte Pillow House - also known as the Thompson-Pillow House, is a historic house located in Helena, Arkansas. The house was built in 1866 and is a good example of the Italianate architectural sytle. The house was built by Jerome Bonaparte Pillow a prominent businessman and civic leader in Helena, and it was home to several generations of the Pillow family.

The house is a two-story brick building with a central tower, a hipped roof, and a two-story portico with a balustrade. The house features a variety of decorative elements including arched windows, bracketed eaves, and a central entrance with a fanlight. The house is also known for its ornate ironwork, including a fence and a spiral staircase.

The Thompson-Pillow House is significant for its association wit the Pillow family, who were important figures in the history of Helena and Phillips County. The house is also significant for its architecture, as it is one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in the city.

The Thompson-Pillow House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Today, the house is a private residence and is not open to the public. However, it can be viewed from the street and is considered an important piece of Helena's architectural and cultural heritage.

E.S. Ready House

• E.S. Ready House - The Ready-Mayer House in Helena is one of a number of residences designed by architect Charles L. Thompson of Little Rock. It is a two-and-one-half story residence painted white and trimmed with black shutters. The symmetrical facade is divided into three bays. Above the oustide bays shingled dormers project from the gable roof. Twin chimneys rise above the ridge line near the north and south ends of the roof.

The house was constructed in 1910 for Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Ready of Helena. Mr. Ready was a prominent Helena businessman, and Mrs. Ready was involved in many local activities. She was especially active in the organization and construction of the Helena Library and Museum.

Richardson-Turner House

• Richardson-Turner House - Surrounded by cotton fields, this picturesque house is located in Lexa, Arkansas. The single-story farm house was built around 1894, but in the late 1930s, the attic was enlarged to make an extra half story of living space. The central hall plan is conserative and would seem to classify this house as Folk Victorian, the emphasis on decorative wall surfaces, and complexity of fenstration place it in the Queen Anne category.

Dr. Richardson was a graduate of the University of Mississippi, the Univesity of Lousville Schoo of Medicine in Kentucy and served his intership at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He came to Phillips County around 1882 with his father and brother. He praticed medicine at the farm and represented Phillips County in the state legislature.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

• St. Mary's Catholic Church - also known as St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church, is a historic chuch located in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The church was built in 1878 and is a good example of the Gothic Revival architectural style. It was built by the German Catholic community of Helena-West Helena, and it was the first Catholic church in the city.

The church is a large, red brick building iwth a steep gable roof, a central tower, and pointed arched windows. The building features a variety of decorative elements, including a large rose window, buttresses, and a front entrance with a pointed arch. The interior of the church features a high ceiling, beautiful stained glass windows, and detailed woodwork.

St. Mary's Catholic Church has played a significant roe in the history of Helena-West Helena, and it is a symbo of the city's German Catholic heritage. The church is also significant for its architecture, as it is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the state.

William A. Short House

• William A. Short House - Constructed in 1904 in Helena, Arkansas and built by the Clem Brothers of St. Louis. It is a marvelous examle of the Colonial Revival Style. With its outstanding oak woodwork, decorative mantels, and parquet flooring, the house exhibits some of the finest craftsmanship available during the period.

The owners of the house, William A. Short and his wife Sallie Baker Short came to Helena in 1885. Mr. Short had been engaged by the Howell Cotton Company of Little Rock to supervise a branch of their business.

Spirit of the American Doughboy

• Spirit of the American Doughboy - The Doughboy statue is a World War I memorial statue, which is located in Helena, Arkansas. The term "Doughboy" was a nickname given to the American soldiers during World War I, which is why these statues are often dedicated to the soldiers of that war.

William Nicholas Straub House

• William Nicholas Straub House - located on Perry Street in Helena, Arkansas. The is Not represntative of any single architectural trend, it has a uniquely eclectic vernacular design. It is an mix of features borrowed from the Shingle and Colonial Revival styles. Constructed in 1900 by Lyle Brothers, this two-and-half story residence is significant for its unusual composition, the most striking feature of which is the crenelleted front tower. William Nicolas Straub father Nichoas Straub was the original owner of the house. He came to this country from Germany in 1862, and founded a general mercantile business, N Straub and Sons Mercantile Company. In 1890, he founded Straub Pressed Brick Company. William followed in his father's footsteps, worked at teh Straub Mercantile Company and was very involved in community affairs.

James C. Tappan House

• James C. Tappan House - is a two-story frame residence, three bays wide across the facade. The house is basicaly Greek Revival in style and also has an original bracketed cornice that is normally considered Victorian. The house is older than any other homes in Helena. Built by a Mormon preacher name Gay. Gay may have been the builder or contractor, but it would appear that Rober Maloney was the man for whom it was being built. J.C. Tappan bouth the house in 1858. Tappan, a native of Tennessee, came to Helena as a young man, was a lawyer, farmer, and commanded the 13th Arkansas Infantry Regiment, seeing action in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennesse, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

Maj. James Alexander Tappan House

• Maj. James Alexander Tappan House - Constructed approximately in 1892. It is a Queen Anne style with a round corner tower with cap and finial, an inset balcony with low balustrade, a curved veranda with spinciles and elegant slender columns, and oriels.

The James A. Tappan House is representative of a wealthy Arkansas businessman's home at the turn of the century. It is a reminder of the Gilded Age in eastern Arkansas.

James Alexander Tappan was born in Tennessee. At age 16 he joined the Confederate army, was promoted to major within two years and earned the Bronze cross of Honor. After the war, he became a civil engineer, an his work for a railroad brought him to Helena. He established the Tappan Coal Company, a business that is still a family operation today (1974). As the local representative of a Pittsburg dealer, Tappan sold coal to Mississippi River steamboats and packets which stopped at Helena to refuel. He also sold coal to homes and businesses in Helena and surrounding towns. He founded Tappan Hardware Company in 1888 which was one of Arkansas' largest at the time. He was a stockhoder in one of Helena's bank, and a director in another. He was also interested in agriculture and managed his own farm until his death.

Turner Historic District

• Turner Historic District - encompasses the 19th century core of a small community of Cypert in rural Phillips County, Arkansas. It includes a store and house, both built and operated by members of the Turner family, who were amont the first to settle in the area. John L Turner, built the house in 1896 and in 1892 he built the N. B. Turner & Son Store.

Warrens Bridge

• Warrens Bridge - is a historic timber-trestle bridge on Phillips County Road 141. It spans across the Lambrook Levee Ditch west of Lambrook, Arkansas. It has a span of 100 feet and is 16 feet wide, set on timber abutments and piers. It was built in 1930 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

West House

• West House - Built in 1900 by the Clem Brothers of St. Louis for Mercer Elmer West and his wife, Mary Moore Govan West. It is an example of the Georgian Revival with Queen Anne decorative details. The owner West, ws involved in the timber business, as well as being a prominent banker, and hand-picked all of the white oak which was used throughout the house. The trees were then milled and cured at the McCoy lumber yard in Helena.

White House

• White House - is an historic house in Helena, Arkansas. It was designed by Charles L. Thompson in 1910. The house is a good example of the transition from Victorian styling toward interest in Colonial Revival.
  
  
  

National Protected Areas

• St. Francis National Forest - is a U.S. National Forest located in eastern Arkansas, in the Mississippi River delta region. It consists of two separate units, one located on the southernmost tip of the sate on the Mississippi River and the other, about 30 miles to the northwest, surrounding the confluence of the St. Francis and White Rivers. The forest covers a total of 22,600 acres and is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

The St. Francis National Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. The forest is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including a number of endangered species. The forest is known for its southern bottomland hardwoods, cypress sloughs and oxbow lakes, as well as its historic sites, such as the Civil War-era Battery D, Parkin Archeological State Park, and the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The forest is also home to the only campground on the Mississippi River.

• White River National Wildlife Refuge - located in the Arkanss Delta region, in Phillips and surrounding counties. The refuge covers over 111,800 acres of bottomland hardwoods, swamps, and oxbow lakes, along a 140 mile stretch of the White River. It was established in 1935 as a breeding ground for migratory birds, and it is one of the most important wintering areas for waterfowl in the Mississippi Flyway.

The White River National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, and photography. The refuge is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including over 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. The refuge is also home to several endangered species, such as the American alligator, the Louisiana pine snake, and the Indiana bat.

The refuge is open to the public year-round, although some areas may be closed during hunting season or for the protection of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the nature trails, observation towers, and the vistor center, which provides information and educational materials about the refuge and its wildlife.

Prominent Families and Surnames

• Richard Allin - was born on October 6, 1930 in Helena, Arkansas. He was a journalist and humorist who for thirty years wrote the popular "Our Town" column for the Arkansas Gazette and the the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
• John Hanks Alexander - was born on March 26, 1894 in Helena, Arkansas. He was the first African-American officer in the United States armed forces to hod a regular command position and the second African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy. The military installation at Newport News, Virginia, was named Camp Alexander in honor of him.
• Calvin Clark - was born on July 21, 1820 in Wayne County, Indiana. A prominent Quaker, he and his wife moved to Helena, Arkansas and co-founded the Southland College. The first academy of higher education for African Americans west of the Mississippi River.
• Alida Clawson - was born on February 9, 1823 in Richmond, Indiana. An Indiana Quaker, she later moved to Helena and co-founded the Southland College, with her husband Calvin. The first academy of higher education for African Americans west of the Mississippi River.
• William Grey -was an African-American born on December 22, 1829 in Washington DC as a free man. After the Civil War, he settled in Helena, Arkansas. Never a slave himself, he was a tirless fighter for the rights of freedmen. He attended the 1868 state constituional convention and later became a member of the Arkansas General Assembly seriving as Commissioner of Immigration and State Lands. In 1872, he became the first African American to address a national nominating convention, seconding the nomination of Repulican presidential candidate Ulyssess S. Grant in 1872. He was also the first Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (Colored) of Free and Accepted Masons of Arkanasas. He served as state legislatory in 1869.
• Kenneth Wahl Hatfield - was born on June 6, 1943 in Helena, Arkansas. He is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the United States Air Force Academy, the University of Arkansas, Clemson University, and Rice University.
• Napoleon Bonaparte Houser - was born on February 14, 1869 in Gaston County, North Carolina. Later, he settled in Helena, Arkansas. He was a prominent African-American physician, owner of the Black Diamond Drugh Store, and investor in Helena. He was president of the Helena Negro Business League. He was active in the social life of fraternal organizations, including the Prince Hall Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Mosaic Templars of America.
• Mark Lavon Helm was born on May 26, 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas. He was an American musician who achieved fame as the drummer and one of three lead voclists for "the Band". He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He was known for his deeply soulful, country-accented voice, multi-instumental ability, and his creative drumming style. Some of his hit notable songs included "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek", and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
• Alexander Johnson - was born on December 7, 1942 in Helena, Arkansas. He was an American professional baseball outfielder, who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers. He was the National League Comeback Playe o the Year in 1968 and an American League All-Start and Batting champion in 1970.
• Mary Lambert was born on October 13, 1951 in Helena, Arkansas. She is an American director and has directed music videos, television episodes and feature films, mainly in the horror genre.
• Blanche Lambert Lincolnwas born on September 30, 1950 in Helena, Arkansas. She is a retired American politician who served as a United States Senator for Arkansas. She also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1991 to 1999. She represented Arkansas's 1st Congressional district in the U.S. House of Represntatives from 199 to 2001. She was elected United States Senator and served two terms from 1999 to 2011.
• Robert Lockwood Jr. was born in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas. He was an American Delta blues guitarist who recorded for Chess Records and other labels in the 1950s and 1960s. He was the first professional black entertainers to appear on radio in the South, on the "King Biscuit Time" radio show. He won a Grammy Award in 2008 for his Traditional Blues Album, inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1989, awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in 1995 by the National Endowment for the Arts. The highest honor in the folk and tranditional ars in the United States. He was a seven-time W.C. Handy Blues Music Award winner and he held honorary doctorates from the Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.
• Roberta Evelyn Martin was born on February 12, 1907 in Helena, Arkansas. She was an American gospel composer, singer, pianist, arranger and choral organizer. She was one of the most significant figures during the gospel music's golden age. The United States Postal Service issued a 32 cent commemorative stamp honoring Martin's influence. The stamp was one of four honoring gospel women.
• Robert Lee McCollum was born on November 30, 1909 in Helena, Arkansas. He was an American blues musician and recorded under the pseudonyms Robert Lee McCoy and Robert Nighthawk. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983.
• Abraham Hugo Miller - was born a slave on March 12, 1849 in Colt, St. Francis County, Arkansas. He later moved with his mother to Helena. He was educated at the Southland Colege and elected to the state legislature 1874 during the Reconstruction period. Miller, was born a slave and went on to great success as a leader, educator, and businessman. Later in life he published his autobiography "How I Succeeded in My Business."
• Eliza Ann Ross - was an African-American businesswoman and educator, as well as the first woman to build and operate a movie theater in Arkansas. She was the wife of properous Helena busiinessman Abraham Hugo Miller. After his death she continued his business operations and provided leadership to the Helena school system. She was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1999.
• John Herman Stroger Jr. was born on May 19, 1925 in Helena, Arkansas. An Arkansas native, he became a powerful figure in Illinois government and politics. He was the first African-American president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. He sponsored legislation aimed at supporting woman and minority owned businesses, and he was a cosponsor of the Cook County ordinances relating to human rights and ethics.
• Harold Lloyd (Jenkins) aka "Conway Twitty" - Born Harold Lold Jenkins on September 1, 1933 in Friars Point, Mississippi. His parents moved to Helena, Arkansas when he was ten years old. He took the stage name "Conway Twitty" combining the names of two cities Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. He was an American singer and songwriter. Best known as a country music performer. He received a string of Country Music Association awards for duets with Lorett Lynn. He was inducted into both the Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame.
• Roosevelt Sykes - also known as The Honeydripper, was born on January 31, 1906 in Elmar, Arkansas. He was an American blues musician. sykes had a long career, spanning the pre-war and postwar eras. His pounding piano boogies and risque lyrics characterize his contributions to the blues.
• James Camp Tappan was born on September 9, 1825 in Franklin County, Tennessee. After the war he settled in Helena, Arkansas. He was a Confedeerate general, lawyer, and politician from Helena. He is best remembered for commanding a brigrade of Brigadiers General Thomas J. Churchill's Arkansas Division.
• Ellis Clarence Valentine was born on July 30, 1954 in Helena, Arkansas. He is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is remembered for having one of the all-time great throwing arms.
• James David Walker Jr. - also known as Jimmy McCracklin, was born on August 13, 1921 in Elaine, Arkansas. He was an American pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. His styled contained the West Coast blues, Jump blues, and R&B. He produced over 30 albums, and earned four gold records.

Records and Resources

• Wikipedia page for Phillips County, Arkansas
• FamilySearch - Phillips County, Arkansas Genealogy
• Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Phillips County, Arkansas
• - Phillips County, Arkansas
• Trails
• Arkansas Digital Archives for Phillips County
• Tri-County Genealogical Society - Phillips, Lee, Monroe Counties in Eastern Arkansas
• Internet Archives - Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas (1890)
• Internet Archives - Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas(2) (1890)
• My Genealogy Hound - Phillips County, Arkansas Biographies
• Political Graveyard - Phillips County, Arkansas
• Internet Archives - Names and P.O. Addresses of Farmers in Arkansas (1879)
• Roots Source - Large Slaveholders of 1860 and African American Surname Matches from 1870
• Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life - Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas
• Internet Archives - Records of teh Field Offices for the State of Arkansas, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands (1865-1872)
• Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Elaine Massacre
• U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management - Land Grant Searches
• The Newberry Library - Individual County Chronologies
• Internet Archives - List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883
• Internet Archives - Phillips County Post Offices and Postmasters
• Library of Congress - Chronicling America Historic American Newspapers - Search for Phillips County, Arkasnas
• Photogrammer - Phillips County, Arkansas Photographs
• Google Search for Patents in Phillips County, Arkansas