One of eight prisoner of war camps in Mississippi County, the Bassett camp housed German soldiers captured and shipped to the United States. POWs worked in the cotton fields during their captivity, several taking up agriculture after returning to . . . — — Map (db m170720) HM
During segregation in the twentieth century, Ash Street was the social and commercial heart of the Black community of Blytheville. On Saturdays, when sharecropper families would dress up and come to town, Ash could be so crowded that people would . . . — — Map (db m213826) HM
1st Lt. Larry Gene Moody · Sgt. Ephron Wallace Jr. · SFC. Jerald Dozier · Sgt. Everett Langston · PFC Arthur Ray Keeling · PFC Freddy Friar · Lt David F. "Rick" Taylor · Sgt. Samuel Lee Modesitt · Sgt. John H. Stout · PFC Joel Crockett · Sp4 . . . — — Map (db m212027) WM
The White House
Washington The president of the United States takes pride in awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to
First Lieutenant Edgar H. Lloyd
Infantry U. S. Army Citation For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at . . . — — Map (db m215338) WM
In memoriam to those men from Mississippi County who gave their lives in the Korean War 1950-1953 Capt. William O. Boyd · Pvt. William H. Charles · Sgt. Louis A. Webb · Cpl. Billy L. Crain · PFC. Duane Brown · Pvt. Billy L. Hopper · PFC. Gerald . . . — — Map (db m212140) WM
Before 1776 this area was inhabited by Indian Mound builders, bayous were the only drainage and there was no flood control, there was an immense forest that consisted mostly of hardwoods and cypress, in the early 1900's drainage districts began to . . . — — Map (db m212074) HM
A variety of colony services were housed in the original building on this site. When it burned in 1944, the theater and pop shop took its place. — — Map (db m207512) HM
Also called the Co-op Store, Trading Post, or The Big Store, this building carried everything colonist families needed. It burned in June 1957. — — Map (db m207494) HM
This Dyess Colony gathering place included an auditorium, a library, and space for community meetings and activities. Joint church services also were held here until the various denominations could build their own churches. Ministers from three . . . — — Map (db m207904) HM
Established in 1934 by President Roosevelt, Dyess Colony, named for W.R. Dyess of Luxora, became home to 500 families stricken by the Great Depression. Selected on the bases of need, farming knowledge, and physical fitness, these pioneers each . . . — — Map (db m207238) HM
Johnny Cash (1932-2003) was one of the most influential musicians of the
20th century. Successful with country, rock & roll, folk, blues, and gospel music, Cash sold over 90 million albums during his long career. Several of his songs reflect his . . . — — Map (db m160373) HM
Vacant homes or buildings served as elementary classrooms during the colony's early years, while secondary students were bused to neighboring school districts. Dyess School, accommodating high school and elementary students, was completed by the . . . — — Map (db m207903) HM
An expedition of about 100 soldiers of the Second Missouri Artillery (U.S.) set out from Osceola on April 5, 1864, in pursuit of guerrillas who had just robbed the town. Marching through dense swamps with water from 1 to 3 feet deep, the Missouri . . . — — Map (db m170408) HM
To honor the memory of these brave men from the 97th Bombardment Wing at Blytheville Air Force Base who did not return after their B-52 aircraft was shot down over Hanoi, North Vietnam in December 1972 Col. Keith R. Heggen Lt. Col. Donald L. Rissi . . . — — Map (db m24056) HM
Enlisted March 14th 1918; Honorably discharged May 29th 1919
Cited for bravery for extraordinary heroism in action and decorated with:
U.S. Distinguished Service Cross: Oct. 10th 1918
French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Apr. 19th 1919
Gilt Star . . . — — Map (db m30388) HM
Moving to Osceola with his family at age 8, Blues legend Albert King (1923-1992) earned an early living picking cotton on nearby farms. King began his magnificent professional career in Osceola with his group, In The Groove Boys. King's T99 Club, . . . — — Map (db m36412) HM
Built in 1909, the Bank of Osceola shared this building with various enterprises over the years, including a cotton brokerage firm and small movie theater. While much of the original architecture remains intact, four circular stone profiles of . . . — — Map (db m36670) HM
On May 10, 1862, Confederates defeated the Union navy in one of only two Civil War gunboat fleet engagements on the Mississippi River, ramming and sinking two Union ironclads, Cincinnati and Mound City. A reinforced Union armada routed the . . . — — Map (db m36320) HM
Billy Lee Riley began picking cotton at age 7 on the Jacksonville plantation in Osceola. Influenced by local bluesmen, Riley became a 1950s rockabilly star, recording his first hit, Flyin' Saucers Rock & Roll, at Sun Studios. Retiring from music . . . — — Map (db m36420) HM
Built in 1902, the Calvary Episcopal Church is one of the oldest still in use in the county, serving many farmers, laborers, and professionals along the Cotton Highway for over a century. The bell tower and main entrance formerly resided on Hale . . . — — Map (db m36704) HM
1861 - 1865 In memory of the Confederate Veterans of Mississippi County erected A.D. 1934 United Daughters of the Confederacy Elliott Fletcher Chapter Bytheville Arkansas — — Map (db m36531) HM
Built in 1915, the ground floor of this building once housed a barber shop and, later a hardware store. J.T. Coston, a Vanderbilt-educated attorney representing R.E.L. Wilson's farming interests, maintained his offices upstairs and was instrumental . . . — — Map (db m36453) HM
This corner building has been home to a drug store dating back to 1913. Once a two-story building with an elevated parapet and cornice, a fire in the early 1960s destroyed the second floor. The building's longest-running occupant is Newcomb's Drug . . . — — Map (db m36669) HM
The potential for commerce related to cotton payrolls attracted a robust cadre of Jewish merchants to Hale Avenue in the early 1900s. Harwarg's opened in "Old Town" before moving to "New Town," followed by Beehive's, Nickol's, and Weinberg's. . . . — — Map (db m36668) HM
In late July 1864, Missouri Union cavalry headed south into Mississippi County to hunt for bands of guerillas. On August 2, they encountered Confederate pickets near Osceola and pursued them to the main force led by Captains Charles Bowen and H.M. . . . — — Map (db m170412) HM
Thomas J. Florida established the Florida Brothers Company in 1926, supplying farm and home loans to families along the Cotton Highway. Mr. Florida built this Art Deco-influenced structure in 1935, featuring Indiana limestone. The building . . . — — Map (db m36612) HM
Osceola native Jimmy Thomas split his youth working in cotton fields and playing local juke joints. As a teenager, he joined Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm as lead singer, later performing with the Ike and Tina Turner Review. Settling in London, . . . — — Map (db m36419) HM
Mark Twain referred to Osceola as "the famous and formidable Plum Point" in his book, Life on the Mississippi, as well as other writings. First established in 1837 as Plum Point, Osceola was incorporated in 1853. From this vantage point, one could . . . — — Map (db m36301) HM
In a spot once home to the Mercantile Opera House, this Classical Revival-style building was built in 1936 as Mississippi County Bank, showcasing Italian marble and rich wood throughout. Continuing to finance farming interests, First National Bank, . . . — — Map (db m36610) HM
The county seat of Mississippi County, created in 1833, was located at Osceola in 1836. Since about 1900 the county has maintained another court house at Blytheville for the northern district. The county was named for the great river which flows . . . — — Map (db m36489) HM
This Neoclassical Courthouse was built in 1912 on land donated by Judge W.J. Driver. Constructed of unusual brick, the building features a flat roof supporting a copper dome with large concrete terra cotta decorations and round polished inserts on . . . — — Map (db m36434) HM
Floods of 1927 and 1937 overwhelmed eastern Arkansas, destroying cotton crops and countless homes. To prevent future loss of life and economic devastation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the St. Francis Levee District built an extensive levee . . . — — Map (db m36330) HM
Built in 1911 by a local attorney, R.C. Rose, as Osceola's first telephone office, the building features two louver-covered windows, a cornice dividing the two floors and two square pilasters with corbelled brick separating the upper 8-over-8 . . . — — Map (db m36707) HM
Upon the Civil War's outbreak, Capt. Charles Bowen raised a company known as the "Osceola Hornets," participating in the battles of Belmont and Shiloh. Initially 100 strong, only seven returned. During Reconstruction, Bowen was instrumental in . . . — — Map (db m36328) HM
Established in 1904 the Fred G. Patterson Store was famous as a general mercantile, specializing in shoes and cotton pick sacks. A shoe at the entrance indicated the store was open for business. In 1993 the family donated the buildings for use as a . . . — — Map (db m36425) HM
The Neo-Classical style 1920 building, designed by noted architect Uzzell Branson, originally housed Citizens Bank, then, First State Bank, a mercantile store, and City Hall. A citizens group, including Congressman W.J. Driver, opened Planters Bank . . . — — Map (db m36702) HM
Called the most prolific session guitarist of all time, Reggie Young grew up along the Cotton Highway in Osceola in the 1940s. Joining a multitude of famous artists, such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presely, the Beatles, and Willie Nelson, Young has . . . — — Map (db m36409) HM
The 10,000-acre Sans Souci plantation established in 1854 by John Harding McGavock, served as a Civil War hospital as the Union fleet docked across from the home. In addition to farming cotton, much acreage was devoted to hunting deer, bear, and . . . — — Map (db m36298) HM
Osceola native Frank "Son" Seals (1942-2004) began playing professionally at 13 with Robert Nighthawk, then, formed his own band at 17, touring with Albert King. Winner of three W.C. Handy Awards for best blues recording of the year, Seals' riveting . . . — — Map (db m36414) HM
In Memoriam
To those men from South Mississippi County who gave their lives in World Wars I & II, Korea, and Southeast Asia
Lt. John McGavock Grider - PVT. William A. Charles
PFC Clarence Croft - CPL. Billie W. Craine
PFC Hershel Brock . . . — — Map (db m36534) WM
This 1901 office was the first building in "New Town," having been used continuously as a newspaper office since that time and remains the oldest and tallest commercial building in the city. The "Osceola Times," reporting on life along the Cotton . . . — — Map (db m36408) HM
Constructed in 1915, this building served as the post office on the Cotton Highway until 1936. County Judge S.L. Gladish made sure that the Post Office contained European tiles like those used in the then-new courthouse. The building later housed a . . . — — Map (db m36454) HM
Violet Cemetery predates Arkansas statehood, the county, and city, with the oldest grave dating 1831. Initially secluded, the cemetery found itself in the middle of downtown as Osceola grew west because of cotton farming and manufacturing. Many . . . — — Map (db m36709) HM
In memory of the honorable William J. Driver.Former Circuit Judge and Congressman, a lifelong citizen of Osceola, Arkansas. Born March 2, 1873. Died October 1, 1948. As a member of the Rivers and Harbors and Flood Control Committees of the Congress . . . — — Map (db m36532) HM
Osceola's own "Sweet Man," Willie Bloom, captured Southern cotton workers' sentiment with his legendary Blues music dating back to 1918. Bloom, whose recordings included "Osceola Blues," played alongside musical giants such as W.C. Handy, Jimmy . . . — — Map (db m36416) HM
The Works Progress Administration built this building, dedicated on May 29, 1936, as a new post office. The structure served the citizens of Osceola and the Cotton Highway as a post office until the Postal Service relocated to Johnson Street. . . . — — Map (db m36616) HM
