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

Helena, Arkansas

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

1. Helena, Arkansas Marker

Inscription. "Helena occupies one of the prettiest situations on the river", wrote Mark Twain in Life on the Mississippi, and is rich in history and culture. Hernando DeSoto crossed the Mississippi near Helena in 1541, finding a thriving native culture. When Sylvanus Phillips settled in the area in 1797, all indications of the flourishing native American civilization were gone. Helena, Phillips' daughter, was her namesake for this historic river town.

Helena, which lies at the southern tip of Crowley's Ridge, is one of the oldest towns in Arkansas. It was an important river town during the Civil War, and the deadly "Battle of Hell" was fought on July 4, 1863, when the Confederate forces attempted to take the town from Federal occupation. Their efforts failed miserably.

Helena, home to three separate historic districts, also lies at the intersection of two national scenic byways and is home to over 30 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Helena also home to one of the largest free Blues festivals in the world, The King Biscuit Blues Festival.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1867.

Location. 34° 31.728′ N, 90° 35.178′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County

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. It is on Cherry Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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.

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: Phillips County, Arkansas (a few steps from this marker); West Helena, Arkansas (a few steps from this marker); Helena's Doughboy (within shouting distance of this marker); Loyal to the Old Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillips County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I 1917-1918 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Right to Vote (within shouting distance of this marker); "We shall never be the same" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

2. Helena, Arkansas Marker

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

3. Helena, Arkansas Marker

Entering Cherry Street Historic District
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior 1987.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

4. Helena, Arkansas Marker

Entering Perry Street Historic District Placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior 1987.

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 1,094 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.