Crittenden County, Arkansas
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Crittenden County Bank and Trust Company
Crittenden County Courthouse
Dabbs Store
Earle High School, Old
Hamilton Apartments
Highway A-7, Gilmore to Turrell
Johnson-Portis House
Lawrie House
Marion Colored High School
Memphis and Arkansas Bridge
Missouri Pacific Depot
Riverside Speedway
Turrell City Hall, Old
Washington, George Berry, Memorial
West Memphis City Hall
West Memphis Commercial Historic District
Wilson Power and Light Company Ice Plant
Confederate Soldier's Memorial
Confederate Soldier's Memorial
Crawfordsville
Crittenden Bank & Trust Company
Crittenden County Health Department
Margaret E. Woolfolk Library
Marion Hotel
Marion School Auditorium-Gynamnasium
Marion School District
Military Road
Rhodes Storefronts
The Sultana Tragedy
The Loss of the Sultana
European explorers, led by Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that permanent settlement began. In 1826, Crittenden County was established and named after Robert Crittenden, the first Secretary of Arkansas Territory. The county's proximity to the Mississippi River led to the development of river trade and commerce, which greatly influenced the county's early economy.
During the Civil War, Crittenden County played a significant role as it was located along crucial transportation routes, particularly the Mississippi River. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, leading to a divided loyalties among its residents. After the war, the county faced reconstruction and struggled economically for several decades.
In the early 20th century, Crittenden County began to see growth and development with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, lumber, and manufacturing. The county also saw an increase in population with the arrival of railroad lines, which brought new opportunities for trade and commerce. Today, Crittenden County continues to be a vibrant and thriving community, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Brief timeline of the history of Crittenden County, Arkansas:
- 1800s: Crittenden County was organized and established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
- 1830s: The county experienced a significant influx of settlers due to the forced removal of Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Cherokee.
- 1840s: Crittenden County became an important transportation hub with the construction of railroads and the Mississippi River providing access to major trading routes.
- 1860s: During the American Civil War, Crittenden County was occupied by Union troops for the majority of the conflict.
- 1870s: Reconstruction efforts were implemented in the county following the Civil War, including the establishment of public schools.
- 1920s: The county experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves, leading to increased industrialization.
- 1930s: The Great Depression had a significant impact on Crittenden County, causing widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
- 1950s: The construction of Interstate 55 provided improved transportation infrastructure and fostered further economic development.
- 2000s: Crittenden County faced various challenges, including a decline in population and an increase in poverty rates.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Crittenden County, Arkansas.