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

Phillips County, Arkansas

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

1. Phillips County, Arkansas Marker

Inscription. Phillips County lies in what is known as the Mississippi alluvial plain, also called The Delta. The earliest known inhabitants were native Indians, noted for building large earthen mounds for ceremonial purposes and to bury their chiefs.

By the time Hernando DeSoto explored Arkansas in 1541 the area was home to two sophisticated Indian cultures, the Casoui and the Pacaha, and included large fortified towns. The point where DeSoto crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas is much debated, with credible evidence that he crossed south of Helena into what is now Phillips County, opposite Sunflower Landing.

Between 1541 and 1803, France sold the territory known as the Louisiana Purchase, composed of 900,000 square miles to the United States for 15 million dollars.

Phillips County was created by an act of the Arkansas legislature dated May 1, 1820 and named for one of its earliest settlers, Sylvanus Phillips, a member of the Territorial Legislature.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1867.

Location. 34° 31.733′ N, 90° 35.183′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. Marker is on Cherry Street. Located in Park in front of Courthouse. It is one of three concrete markers. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Helena AR 72342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. West Helena, Arkansas (here, next to this marker); Helena, Arkansas (a few steps from this marker); Loyal to the Old Flag (a few steps from this marker); Helena's Doughboy (a few steps from this marker); World War I 1917-1918 (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillips County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); "We shall never be the same" (within shouting distance of this marker); Answering a Call for Help (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. Phillips County, Arkansas Marker

De Soto June 25, 1541 Erected by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Arkansas June 25,1951

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 723 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.