Mississippi County Museum
Our History
Mississippi County, Arkansas
Our History
Located on the mighty Mississippi River, right on Highway 61-a historical highway that follows the river into Louisiana, and just off Interstate 55, it incorporates everything that is interesting to history buffs, but also caters to the latest in agriculture and technology.
While part of Arkansas Territory, a “county” government was formed in 1833, and the first courthouse was in a local home. Osceola was incorporated in 1853 and then again in 1875 when Mississippi County was formed from a portion of Crittenden County. At that time there were about 250 families in Osceola. There have been 3 courthouses in Osceola - the one in the Reeves home, one in ‘old town’ and the beautiful one that still stands proudly displaying its copper dome on the square in downtown Osceola. It was built in 1912 and is on the National Registers of Historic Places.
Travel the great River Road and/or the Cotton Heritage Highway (state highway 61), and when you get to this courthouse be sure and stop and visit the monuments on the square that honor our military and a few of the people who have contributed so much to Osceola.
Osceola has contributed greatly to the military history of the area. Read about the Battle of Plum Run Bend, one of the largest battles of the Civil War fought on a river, for example. Visit the museum and see the photos or WWI, WWII and later military photos and read about this history. Find out about the German POW camps in the area.
While on the square, visit Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society, the county museum housed in a 1902 and 1904 mercantile building. Step through the door and step back into history, as the fixtures are original and the history of the county is preserved, taught and enjoyed. Find out when the Mississippi River froze, the story of the first cars in Osceola, why the railroad was started, even when lighting came to Osceola, or how the drainage was done to make the farming even better. Take a walking or driving tour of Osceola –there are brochures available at the museum-and learn about the rich history of the area, including music, art, military and politics.
Welcome!
Located in the former Fred G. Patterson Mercantile Store, on the Courthouse Square in historic downtown Osceola, the Mississippi County Museum, operated b by the Mississippi County Historical & Genealogical Society is a true local history museum. The hands on museum is packed with a variety of art, objects, documents, furniture, and advertisements telling the story of the community and its residents.
The museum includes a gift shop & research center.
Great River Road
The Mississippi County Museum is one of more than 70 museums and historic sites showcasing fascinating stories of the Mississippi River. More information about interpretive centers on the Great River Road website.