Helena AR, Trail of Tears

Quick Facts

Location:

Helena, Arkansas

Significance:

Four tribes passed by Helena on the water route of the Trail of Tears.

Helena residents of the 1830s watched tens of thousands of Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Chickasaw pass by as they traveled south on the Mississippi River. Unlike the river today, during Indian Removal is was dangerous for a variety of reasons from sickness onboard and low river levels to fires and explosions on the steamboats. The Delta Cultural Center and the exhibits on the Helena Levee walk have content about Indian Removal.

Site Information

Location (Helena, Arkansas)

 

There are three sites in Helena associated with a trail visit.

1. Delta Cultural Center is adjacent to the park.
2. Exhibit location on the Helena River Levee, the very southern end. There is a covered gazebo.
3. The Helena River Park River Walk offers water access and views. The Mississippi River was the Trail of Tears Water Route and the boardwalk overlook offers a place to consider the boats passing by on their way to the Arkansas River and eventually, Indian Territory.

The exhibits are located on the levee in Helena River Park, also known as the Helena Levee Walk. Around the park complex is a nature boardwalk, park, boat ramp, concert venue, and the Delta Cultural Center. Helena is on the Arkansas Delta Scenic Byway and the Mississippi Blues Trail. Helena River Park River Walk provides views open the open Mississippi River.

Safety Considerations

More Site Information

Delta Cultural Center

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail