Learn About Helena, Arkansas

Helena Overview

Helena is a city located in Phillips County, Arkansas, along the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1833 and was named after the daughter of Sylvanus Phillips, one of the city's founders.
During the Civil War, Helena was a strategic location and was the site of the Battle of Helena in 1863. The city was occupied by Union forces and served as a supply base and hospital center during the war.
After the war, Helena became a major port on the Mississippi River and was an important center for the cotton trade. The city experienced economic growth and development during this time.

Helena is home to the famous King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the United States.
The city is also known for its rich African American heritage and history, with many historic sites and landmarks related to the Civil Rights Movement.
Helena was once a booming river port town, with steamboats bringing goods and people up and down the Mississippi River.

Levi Casey, a prominent Confederate general during the Civil War, was born in Helena.
Esther Lederberg, a pioneering geneticist and microbiologist, was also born in Helena.
Blues musician Sonny Boy Williamson II lived and played in Helena during the 1940s.

Delta Cultural Center: A museum that showcases the history and culture of the Arkansas Delta region.
Freedom Park: A park dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement and African American history in Helena.
Cherry Street Historic District: A historic district with well-preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings.

Mississippi River State Park: A state park located just outside of Helena that offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Arkansas Post National Memorial: A historic site that preserves the remains of the first European settlement in Arkansas.
Arkansas Railroad Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of railroads in Arkansas, located in nearby Pine Bluff.

Helena has a population of around 10,000 people, with a diverse mix of African American, white, and Hispanic residents.
The city has experienced population decline in recent years, as industry and jobs have moved away from the area.

Helena is located in eastern Arkansas, along the Mississippi River. The city is surrounded by flat, fertile farmland and is part of the Arkansas Delta region.
The climate in Helena is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Helena's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton, soybeans, and rice being the main crops grown in the area.
The city also has a small manufacturing sector, with industries such as food processing and furniture manufacturing contributing to the local economy.

Helena has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of blues music and African American art and literature.
The city hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its history and heritage.

Phillips County Courthouse: A historic courthouse building that dates back to the 19th century.
Old U.S. Highway 49 Bridge: A historic bridge that crosses the Mississippi River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding area.
Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church: A historic church building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.