Helena in Phillips County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

William Patterson

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

1. William Patterson Marker

Inscription. William Patterson was the first known Methodist to set foot on Arkansas soil. He came from Kentucky in 1800 and cut the cane, where the city of Helena now stands, to build a warehouse for river traffic. He became a Methodist Minister and in 1804 was admitted to the Western Conference with assignment to the Scioto Circuit in Ohio. Although there is no positive evidence, it is probable that he preached at Helena. He was the father of John Patterson, the first white child of American Parents in Arkansas.

Erected by The Commission of Archives and History and as a memorial to Dr. E. J. Kurts.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.

Location. 34° 31.77′ N, 90° 35.51′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. It is on Porter Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 537 Porter Street, Helena AR 72342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Arkansas Delta,

in Crowley’s Ridge,

in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain,

and in the Quapaw Homeland.

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It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Confederates Attack Fort Curtis (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Russwurm Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Battle of Helena (about 300 feet away); Fort Curtis (about 400 feet away); Phillips County's Confederate Soldiers (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Patrick Cleburne (approx. 0.2 miles away); Patrick Cleburne in Helena (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Irish Immigrant (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

2. William Patterson Marker

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

3. William Patterson Marker

First United Methodist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,416 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.