National Register Listings in
Phillips County, Arkansas

Allin House Almer Store Altman House Battery A Site, Battle of Helena Battery B Site, Battle of Helena Battery C Site Battery D Beech Street Historic District Berger, Dr. Alfred A. and Adele, House Centennial Baptist Church Centennial Baptist Church Cherry Street Historic District Cherry Street Historic District Boundary Increase Chicago Mill Company Office Building Coolidge House Denison House Estevan Hall Faust House Federal Building-United States Post Office and Court House First Baptist Church Ford, Henry and Cornelia, Farm Gemmill-Faust House Grey, William H., Gravesite Helena Aero Tech Hangars Helena Confederate Cemetery Helena Depot Helena Library and Museum Helena National Guard Armory Helena World Building Horner, Sidney H., House Keesee House Kitchens, Richard L., Post No. 41 Lakeview Resettlement Project Historic District Lee Grocery Store Little Cypress Creek Bridge Maple Hill Cemetery Mayo House Moore-Hornor House Myers House Nelson House Perry Street Historic District Phillips County Courthouse Phillips County Penal Farm Historic District Pillow, Jerome Bonaparte, House Ready, E. S., House Richardson-Turner House Short, William A., House Spirit of the American Doughboy Monument-Helena St. Mary's Catholic Church Straub, William Nicholas, House Tappan, James C., House Tappan, Maj. James Alexander, House Temple Beth El Cemetery Turner Historic District Warrens Bridge West House White House
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors to the park can search for diamonds and other gems in the park's 37.5-acre diamond field.
Arkansas random facts
Phillips County, Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Caddo and Quapaw tribes, who utilized the Mississippi River for transportation and trade. European exploration began in the 16th century, with French explorers traversing the region.

During the 19th century, Phillips County played a significant role in the expansion of the United States. It became a major center for cotton cultivation and trade, with large plantations dominating the landscape. The growth of the cotton industry went hand in hand with the institution of slavery, as African Americans were forcibly brought to the area to work on these plantations.

The county witnessed several key events during the Civil War. In 1862, the Battle of Helena took place just across the river, where Union forces successfully defended the city against Confederate attacks. Following the war, the Reconstruction era brought significant changes to Phillips County, as African Americans gained political power and economic opportunities. However, racial tensions persisted, leading to violent incidents like the 1919 Elaine Massacre, during which numerous black residents were killed.

In the 20th century, the county faced economic challenges due to factors such as the decline of the cotton industry and the Great Depression. However, efforts were made to diversify the local economy, leading to growth in industries such as manufacturing and tourism. Today, Phillips County is a vibrant community, proud of its history while embracing a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Phillips County, Arkansas.

  • 1815: Phillips County is established in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1820: Helena becomes the county seat of Phillips County.
  • 1861-1865: Phillips County is heavily involved in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes occurring throughout the area.
  • Late 1800s: Helena experiences a period of prosperity due to the timber and cotton industries.
  • 1919: Phillips County Race Riot takes place, resulting in the deaths of numerous African Americans.
  • 1930-1940s: The Great Depression and decline in agriculture negatively impact Phillips County.
  • 1968: The Phillips County Training School in Elaine becomes the center of racial tensions and violence during the Elaine Massacre.