History of Desha County, Arkansas

Desha County, located in southeastern Arkansas along the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, has a rich history that stretches back to its founding in 1838. The county’s fertile land and access to major rivers made it a key center for agriculture, particularly cotton, and it has played a significant role in the region’s agricultural economy for centuries. Over time, Desha County was also deeply affected by the Civil War, Reconstruction, and later, economic modernization. Its blend of rich cultural heritage and agricultural production remains central to its identity today.

Desha County Facts

• Founded: December 12, 1838
• Population: Approximately 11,500 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 820 square miles
• Area Codes: 870
• ZIP Codes: 71638–71674
• County Seat: Arkansas City
• Major Cities: Dumas, McGehee, Arkansas City
• Famous Landmarks: Arkansas Post National Memorial, Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center Memorial, Mississippi River levees, Delta Heritage Trail State Park

---

Early Settlement and Formation of Desha County (Pre-1830s–1838)

Before European settlement, the area that would become Desha County was inhabited by Native American tribes. The Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers were crucial to these early civilizations, providing fertile land for agriculture and serving as transportation routes for trade. With the arrival of European settlers, the area saw the establishment of large plantations and the development of the river economy.

Native American Presence and Early European Settlement (Pre-1800s)

• Long before European settlers arrived, the region was home to Native American tribes such as the Quapaw, who lived along the rivers, utilizing the fertile floodplains for farming and the waterways for trade.
• The area that would become Desha County was explored by early European settlers, including French explorers, during the 17th and 18th centuries. However, significant European settlement didn’t begin until after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when the United States acquired the land from France.

Formation of Desha County (1838)

• 1838: Desha County was officially established on December 12, 1838, from portions of Arkansas, Chicot, and Monroe counties. It was named after Captain Benjamin Desha, a hero of the War of 1812.
• Early settlers were drawn to the fertile lands along the Mississippi River and the Arkansas River, which provided ideal conditions for growing crops such as cotton. Large plantations soon developed, and the county became an important center for agriculture in the Arkansas Delta.

Antebellum Period and the Growth of the Plantation Economy (1830s–1860s)

The antebellum period saw Desha County develop into a key agricultural hub, with cotton plantations dominating the landscape. The economy during this time was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, as large-scale cotton production became the foundation of the county’s wealth.

Cotton Plantations and Slavery (1830s–1860s)

• 1830s–1860s: Cotton was the dominant crop in Desha County during the antebellum period. The county’s proximity to the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers made it easy to transport cotton to markets in New Orleans and beyond.
• Much of the labor on these large cotton plantations was provided by enslaved African Americans, who made up a significant portion of the population by the time of the Civil War. The economy of Desha County, like much of the South, was deeply tied to the institution of slavery.
• Wealthy landowners built large estates and plantations, establishing the region as one of the most productive agricultural areas in Arkansas.

River Commerce and Transportation

• The Mississippi River and the Arkansas River were vital to Desha County’s economic growth during this period, as they provided essential transportation routes for both crops and goods. Steamboats carried cotton and other agricultural products to larger markets, making river commerce a central part of the county’s economy.
• The rivers also facilitated the movement of people and ideas, further linking Desha County to the broader regional economy of the Mississippi Delta.

The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1870s)

The Civil War had a profound impact on Desha County, as it did on the entire South. The county was directly involved in the conflict, and the war’s aftermath brought significant economic and social challenges, including the end of slavery and the struggle to rebuild a devastated agricultural economy.

Desha County During the Civil War (1861–1865)

• 1861: Arkansas seceded from the Union, and Desha County, like much of the South, supported the Confederacy. Many local men enlisted in Confederate forces, and the county played a role in supplying cotton and other goods to the Confederate war effort.
• 1863: Union forces occupied parts of the Arkansas Delta, including Desha County, which was strategically important due to its location along the Mississippi River. The Union blockade of the river disrupted the flow of goods, severely impacting the local economy.
• The county saw little direct fighting, but the war devastated the plantation system, as crops went untended, and infrastructure was damaged. The end of slavery had a profound impact on the county’s social and economic structure.

Reconstruction and Economic Challenges (1865–1870s)

• After the war, Desha County, like much of the South, faced the difficult task of Reconstruction. The abolition of slavery upended the labor system, and many former enslaved people became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working the land for a portion of the crop.
• The county’s economy struggled to recover as planters faced labor shortages, and the system of sharecropping often led to cycles of debt and poverty for both Black and white farmers.
• The Reconstruction period also brought political changes, as formerly enslaved African Americans gained the right to vote and hold office, though these gains were short-lived due to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation in the following decades.

Agricultural Expansion, the Railroad, and Economic Growth (1880s–1920s)

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a resurgence of agricultural production in Desha County, with new crops being introduced alongside cotton. The arrival of the railroad brought further economic opportunities and helped modernize the county’s infrastructure.

The Introduction of the Railroad (1880s–1920s)

• 1880s–1920s: The arrival of the railroad in Desha County during the late 19th century was a major turning point for the local economy. The railroad connected the county to larger markets in Little Rock, Memphis, and beyond, allowing for faster transportation of agricultural products.
• The town of McGehee, in particular, grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroad, becoming an important hub for both agricultural commerce and transportation.

Diversification of Agriculture and Timber Industry

• Agriculture continued to dominate the economy of Desha County, with cotton remaining the primary crop. However, farmers began to diversify their production, introducing crops such as rice, corn, and soybeans to take advantage of changing market conditions.
• The timber industry also became important during this period, as the county’s forests were harvested for lumber. Timber was shipped via rail to markets in Arkansas and neighboring states, providing jobs and contributing to the county’s economic growth.

The Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s)

Like much of rural America, Desha County was deeply affected by the Great Depression, as agricultural prices collapsed and poverty spread across the region. However, the county played a key role in supporting the war effort during World War II, which brought new economic opportunities.

The Great Depression and Agricultural Decline (1930s)

• 1930s: The Great Depression devastated Desha County’s agricultural economy. Cotton prices fell to historic lows, and many farmers lost their land due to debt and foreclosure. The sharecropping and tenant farming system became even more precarious as farmers struggled to make ends meet.
• Federal programs under the New Deal, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), provided some relief by offering subsidies to farmers and encouraging them to reduce production to stabilize prices.

World War II and the Rohwer Relocation Center (1942–1945)

• During World War II, Desha County was home to the Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center, one of several camps established to intern Japanese Americans during the war. The camp, located near McGehee, housed more than 8,000 internees from 1942 to 1945.
• The presence of the Rohwer camp is a significant chapter in Desha County’s history, and the Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center Memorial now stands as a reminder of this dark period in American history.
• The war also brought increased demand for agricultural products, and Desha County farmers contributed to the national war effort by producing cotton, soybeans, and other essential crops.

Late 20th Century to Present: Modernization, Economic Shifts, and Preservation (1950s–Present)

In the post-war era, Desha County saw further modernization of its agricultural industry and the development of new economic sectors. Efforts to preserve the county’s historical and cultural heritage have also become more prominent in recent decades.

Agricultural Modernization and Economic Shifts (1950s–Present)

• 1950s–Present: Agriculture remains central to Desha County’s economy, with cotton, soybeans, and rice continuing to be the dominant crops. Advances in mechanization and irrigation have made farming more efficient, though the number of small farms has declined as larger commercial farms have taken over.
• The county has also diversified its economy to include small manufacturing and service industries, though agriculture remains the backbone of Desha County’s economic output.

Historical Preservation and Tourism

• Rohwer Relocation Center Memorial: In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the history of the Rohwer Relocation Center. The site has been designated a National Historic Landmark, and visitors can now tour the memorial and learn about the experiences of Japanese American internees during World War II.
• Arkansas Post National Memorial: Though not located within the modern boundaries of Desha County, the Arkansas Post National Memorial—which commemorates the first European settlement in Arkansas—plays a significant role in the region’s historical narrative and attracts visitors to the area.

Conclusion

Desha County’s history reflects the broader narrative of Arkansas and the American South, from its early settlement and agricultural dominance to the profound social changes brought by the Civil War and Reconstruction. Over time, the county has modernized its economy while preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage. Today, Desha County remains a vital part of the Arkansas Delta, balancing its agricultural roots with efforts to embrace new economic opportunities and preserve its history for future generations.

---

Sources for Desha County History

For more information on Desha County’s history, visit:

• Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center Memorial for insights into the World War II internment camp
• Arkansas Post National Memorial to explore the region’s early European settlement
• Delta Heritage Trail State Park for outdoor recreation and scenic views along the Mississippi River