Phillips County

Phillips County is an administrative county in eastern Arkansas, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east. Helena-West Helena functions as the county seat, and the area contains both agricultural lands and residential communities.

The county was established in 1820 as Arkansas's seventh county, named after Sylvanus Phillips, an early settler. It later became a major center of cotton agriculture throughout the 1800s.

Antebellum buildings and rural landscapes still shape how the county looks today, reflecting centuries of agricultural tradition. Walking through the area, you see reminders of how people lived and worked on these lands.

Several highways cross through the county, including U.S. Highway 49, Highway 1, Highway 39, and Highway 85, making it easy to move around and reach neighboring areas. These roads offer different routes depending on where you want to go.

The county has endured a tragic history related to racial violence, marking a significant and difficult period in American history. This past remains an important part of the story for those who visit.

Location: Arkansas

Inception: May 1, 1820

Capital city: Helena-West Helena

Shares border with: Lee County, Monroe County, Arkansas County, Desha County, Tunica County, Coahoma County, Bolivar County

Website: http://phillipscounty.arkansas.gov

GPS coordinates: 34.39028,-90.86972

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06