Category: Museums, Parks, and History
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Louisiana Purchase State Park
This park is actually a National Historic Landmark that preserves the initial point from which all surveys of property acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 originated. There is an elevated boardwalk above the surrounding headwater swamp that leads to a grant monument marking the survey’s starting point. Exhibits along the way tell the story…
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Delta Heritage Trails State Park
The Delta Heritage Trails State Park is a work in progress, but it’s a beautiful and relaxing work in progress. The trail is being built along an old railway and when completed, will run an incredible 84.5 miles. There are currently eight trailheads at Lexa, Barton, Lick Creek, Lake View, Elaine, Watson, Rohwer and Arkansas…
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Village Creek State Park
Village Creek State Park is found just outside Wynne, Arkansas. It encompasses nearly 7,000 acres of forested hills and clear streams. There are 33 miles of multi-use trails, campgrounds, bath houses, an equestrian campground with stable facilities, ten cabins, two lakes, picnic sites, and outdoor and indoor theaters. The park also has a visitor center…
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Mississippi River State Park
The Mississippi River State Park is located on the southern end of Crowley’s Ridge and boarders the Mississippi River. Operating within the St. Francis National Forest, the start park encompasses 536 acres in six recreation areas. The visitor center and Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area are in Lee county, while the St. Francis River access,…
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Fort Curtis – Delta Cultural Center
The original Fort Curtis was built soon after the Union Army of the Southwest marched into Helena in 1862. This reconstructed Fort Curtis is a 3/4 scale replica of the original which allows visitors to experience an earthen fort firsthand. There are two impressive 24 pounder guns located inside the walls to give visitors an…
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Battery C – Delta Cultural Center
Battery C was one of four forts established by the Union army to protect Helena from an expected Confederate attack. That attack came on July 4, 1863 when a rebel army under Lieutenant General Theophilus Holmes consisting of about 8,000 men attacked the 4,000 man garrison at Helena under Major General Benjamin Prentiss. Helena during…
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Freedom Park – Delta Cultural Center
After crossing the Mississippi River Bridge and turning right on the way into Downtown Helena, Freedom Park is the second civil war related site you will encounter. This beautiful park is located on the site of a Civil War Contraband camp. Contraband was the name give early in the war to African Americans who…
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Arkansas Welcome Center, Helena
The Arkansas Welcome Center in Helena is located at the end of the bridge as you cross from Mississippi into Arkansas. It is an extremely well kept facility with restrooms and exhibits about the state. The staff are really nice and knowledgeable about tourism across Arkansas. If you are planning a visit to the…
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The Union Army Marches into Helena
In 1862, the Union Army under General Samuel Curtis marched into Helena, Arkansas> They would remain until 1866. Thousands of African Americans would flee to Helena because they knew freedom was there. The Battle of Helena took place on July 4, 1863. Helena was the starting point for the Yazoo Pass Expedition in an attempt…
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Thomas S. Hindman House
Thomas S. Hindman was a wealthy citizen who lived in Helena and rose to the rank of General in the Civil War. His home was taken over when the Union Army marched into Helena and became a Federal Headquarters. He briefly lived in Mexico after the war ended before returning to Arkansas. He is buried…
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