History of Crittenden County, Arkansas
Introduction to Crittenden County
Crittenden County, Arkansas, founded on October 22, 1825, is located in the eastern part of the state along the Mississippi River. It was named after Robert Crittenden, the first territorial secretary of Arkansas. The county has a rich and complex history, shaped by its strategic location on the river, which made it an important hub for transportation, agriculture, and trade. Over time, Crittenden County developed into a region marked by economic growth, racial tensions, and industrialization. Today, it is a diverse and vibrant county with a mix of rural and urban communities, with West Memphis serving as its largest city and economic center.
County Facts
- Founded: October 22, 1825
- Population (2020): Approximately 48,163
- Area: 610 square miles
- Area Code: 870
- ZIP Codes: 72301, 72327, 72364, 72376, 72384
- County Seat: Marion
- Major Cities: West Memphis, Marion, Earle, Turrell
- Famous Landmarks: Mississippi River, Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, Crittenden County Courthouse, West Memphis Pyramid
Pre-European Settlement and Native American History (Pre-1541)
Indigenous Peoples Before European Contact
Long before European settlers arrived in what is now Crittenden County, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Chickasaw, and Tunica. These groups lived along the fertile banks of the Mississippi River, utilizing the river for transportation, fishing, and agriculture. They grew crops such as maize, beans, and squash while hunting the abundant wildlife in the region. Archaeological evidence suggests that these Native American communities were part of the Mississippian culture, known for its mound-building and complex social structures.
European Exploration and Colonial Influence (1541–1803)
Spanish Exploration by Hernando de Soto (1541)
The first known European explorer to visit the region was Hernando de Soto, who led an expedition through present-day Arkansas in 1541. De Soto’s expedition was part of Spain’s larger effort to explore the southeastern United States in search of gold and other riches. While de Soto’s party passed through the area that would become Crittenden County, no permanent European settlement was established at that time.
French and Spanish Rule (1682–1803)
In the late 17th century, French explorers claimed the Mississippi River Valley for France, naming it the Louisiana Territory. French fur traders traveled the river and established trade networks with the Native American tribes in the region. Following the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the area came under Spanish control as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Despite this, the French influence remained strong in the region, especially along the river.
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase transferred the vast territory, including present-day Arkansas, from France to the United States. This marked the beginning of American exploration and settlement in the region.
The Territorial Period and Early Settlement (1803–1860)
The Louisiana Purchase and American Settlement (1803–1830s)
The Louisiana Purchase opened the Mississippi River Valley to American settlers. The region that would become Crittenden County was attractive due to its fertile land and strategic location along the river, making it an ideal spot for agriculture, particularly cotton farming. Settlers from the eastern United States began moving into the area, establishing small farms and trading posts along the riverbanks.
On October 22, 1825, Crittenden County was officially formed, named after Robert Crittenden, the first territorial secretary of Arkansas and a key figure in early Arkansas history. The county was carved from parts of Phillips, Greene, and Mississippi counties and initially consisted of sparsely populated agricultural communities.
Growth of the Cotton Economy (1830s–1860)
By the 1830s, cotton had emerged as the dominant crop in Crittenden County, driven by the rich alluvial soil of the Mississippi Delta. Plantations began to flourish, and the use of enslaved labor increased as landowners sought to maximize cotton production. The county’s economy became closely tied to the larger Southern economy, with cotton being shipped down the Mississippi River to markets in New Orleans and beyond.
The county’s population grew steadily, with both white settlers and enslaved African Americans making up a significant portion of the population. As cotton production expanded, so did the wealth and political influence of the plantation owners.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)
Crittenden County During the Civil War (1861–1865)
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Crittenden County, like much of Arkansas, aligned with the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the Mississippi River became a critical strategic point during the conflict. The Union’s control of the river disrupted the county’s cotton economy, and the war brought hardship to both plantation owners and enslaved people.
Although no major battles occurred in the county, the war caused significant economic and social upheaval. The destruction of infrastructure, the loss of labor following emancipation, and the general disarray of the Southern economy all contributed to the challenges that Crittenden County faced in the post-war years.
Reconstruction and Economic Recovery (1865–1877)
The Reconstruction era brought major changes to Crittenden County. The abolition of slavery led to the collapse of the plantation economy, and former enslaved people began to assert their rights to freedom and land. Many African Americans in the county became sharecroppers, working on land owned by white farmers in exchange for a portion of the crop. This system often trapped both black and white farmers in cycles of debt and poverty.
The Reconstruction period was also marked by political and racial tensions, as newly enfranchised African American voters sought to exercise their political power. White landowners resisted these changes, and violence and intimidation were common. Despite these challenges, Crittenden County slowly began to rebuild its economy during the late 19th century.
The Rise of Industry and Agriculture (1880s–1930s)
Agricultural Expansion and the Railroads (1880s–1910s)
In the decades following Reconstruction, Crittenden County saw a resurgence in agriculture, with cotton continuing to be the dominant crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century greatly enhanced the county’s economy by providing new transportation routes for shipping cotton and other goods. Towns like Marion and West Memphis grew as commercial centers along the rail lines.
The railroad also facilitated the migration of new settlers into the county, further increasing the population and the development of infrastructure. However, the county’s economy remained primarily dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton farming.
The Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927
One of the most significant events in Crittenden County’s history was the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927. The flood devastated the region, submerging thousands of acres of farmland and displacing many residents. The floodwaters destroyed homes, businesses, and crops, leaving a lasting impact on the county’s economy.
Following the flood, federal and state governments implemented flood control measures, including the construction of levees and drainage systems. These efforts helped to mitigate the impact of future floods but could not completely eliminate the threat posed by the river.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s)
The Impact of the Great Depression (1930s)
The Great Depression had a profound effect on Crittenden County, as cotton prices plummeted and the agricultural economy collapsed. Many farmers, both black and white, lost their land due to foreclosure, and sharecroppers and tenant farmers faced increasing hardships. The federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief, including jobs through public works projects and financial assistance for struggling farmers.
Despite these efforts, the economic challenges of the Great Depression lingered throughout the 1930s. Many residents left the county in search of work in cities or other regions of the country.
World War II and Economic Recovery (1941–1945)
The onset of World War II brought new opportunities for economic recovery in Crittenden County. The demand for agricultural products, especially cotton, increased as the war effort ramped up. Many men from the county served in the military, and women took on new roles in factories and other war-related industries.
The war also spurred the growth of West Memphis, which began to develop as an industrial center. The construction of highways and bridges across the Mississippi River further integrated the county into the national economy.
Post-War Growth and Modernization (1950s–Present)
Post-War Industrialization and Urbanization (1950s–1970s)
In the years following World War II, Crittenden County underwent significant changes. The growth of West Memphis as an industrial and commercial center transformed the county’s economy, which became less reliant on agriculture. Factories, warehouses, and transportation hubs were established in West Memphis, taking advantage of the city’s proximity to Memphis, Tennessee, and the Mississippi River.
The construction of Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 through West Memphis further fueled economic growth, making the city a key transportation and logistics hub in the Mid-South region.
Economic Diversification and Modern Challenges (1980s–Present)
Today, Crittenden County is characterized by its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, industry, and transportation. West Memphis remains the largest city in the county, with a vibrant commercial sector driven by logistics and manufacturing. The county’s strategic location along major highways and the Mississippi River continues to make it an important center for trade and distribution.
However, like many rural and semi-urban areas, Crittenden County faces modern challenges, including economic inequality, poverty, and the decline of traditional industries. Efforts to revitalize the county’s economy have focused on attracting new businesses, improving infrastructure, and promoting tourism.
Key Historical Landmarks in Crittenden County
Mississippi River
- The Mississippi River is a vital natural resource that has shaped the history, economy, and culture of Crittenden County. Its strategic location along the river made the county a key hub for agriculture and transportation.
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
- Established: 1961
- Location: Near Turrell
- The Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge provides a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is a popular destination for birdwatching, fishing, and environmental education.
Crittenden County Courthouse
- Built: 1911
- Location: Marion
- The Crittenden County Courthouse is a historic building that serves as the administrative center of the county. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
West Memphis Pyramid
- Location: West Memphis
- The West Memphis Pyramid, once a concert venue, is a notable landmark in the city’s skyline, symbolizing the county’s growth and modernization.
