Formed in 1820, Phillips County was named for Sylvanus Phillips, an
early settler; Helena, the county seat, was named for Phillip's daughter
and was incorporated in 1833.
Helena was a major river town and was the economic and social center of
the region. Lumber mills, cotton-oil mills, railroads, and river traffic
contributed to a thriving economy. Helena's various ethnic groups played
an important role in society and commerce, including African Americans,
Chinese, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, and others. Situated on the
Mississippi River and the southern tip of Crowley's Ridge, Helena's
history includes Hernando de Soto, Jacques Marquette, and seven
confederate generals. The rich alluvial soil along the river attracted
wealthy planters who transformed the forests into productive plantations
and luxurious homes. In more recent years, Phillips County has suffered
the loss of jobs and a declining population, resulting in a struggling
economy.