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
About Phillips County
Phillips County Timeline
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.
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.
Phillips County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.