Cities and Towns in Desha County, Arkansas

Founded on December 12, 1838, Desha County is one of 75 counties in the state of Arkansas. Historically, Desha County was formed from Arkansas and Union counties, then from Chicot County (prior to 1880), and Lincoln (prior 1930). The city of Arkansas City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 41, Desha County has a population of 11,090 and area of 819.52 square miles (2,123 km²).

List of all cities in Desha County, AR alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Arkansas City, AR	71630	870
Avery, AR	71639	870
Back Gate, AR	71639	870
Duce, AR	71666	870
Dumas, AR	71639	870
Garrett Bridge, AR	71639	870
Gourd, AR	71662	870
Kelso, AR	71674	870
Kurdo, AR	71674	870
Masonville, AR	71654	870
McArthur, AR	71654	870
McGehee, AR	71654	870
	71666	870
Mitchellville, AR	71639	870
Pendleton, AR	71639	870
Pickens, AR	71662	870
Possum Fork, AR	71666	870
Red Fork, AR	71674	870
Reedville, AR	71639	870
Rohwer, AR	71666	870
Selma, AR	71670	870
Snow Lake, AR	72379	870
Tillar, AR	71670	870
Trippe, AR	71654	870
Tyro, AR	71662	870
Watson, AR	71674	870
Yancopin, AR	71674	870

Major Cities and Towns in Desha County, Arkansas

Dumas

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 3.2 square miles
• Population: 4,706 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 71639
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 33.8876° N
  • Longitude: 91.4904° W

Location and History

Dumas is the largest city in Desha County, Arkansas, located in the southeastern part of the state along U.S. Highway 65. The city was founded in 1904 by William B. Dumas, a merchant and landowner, and has since grown into a key agricultural hub in the Arkansas Delta region. The city’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly cotton and soybeans, which thrive in the fertile Delta soil. Over the years, Dumas has developed into a vibrant community known for its rich cultural heritage and close-knit community spirit. The city has a history of resilience, particularly evident after a devastating tornado in 2007, after which the community came together to rebuild and strengthen its infrastructure.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Dumas is served by the Dumas School District, which includes Dumas High School, Dumas Junior High, and Reed Elementary School. The city is home to several significant landmarks, including the Desha County Museum, which offers exhibits on the history and culture of the region. The annual Ding Dong Days Festival is one of the city’s most popular events, celebrating Dumas’s unique history and community spirit with music, food, and a parade. The nearby Arkansas Post National Memorial, a historic site marking the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley, offers insights into the region’s early history and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

McGehee

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 6.5 square miles
• Population: 3,848 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 71654
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 33.6284° N
  • Longitude: 91.3948° W

Location and History

McGehee is a small city located in the northeastern part of Desha County, Arkansas. The city was established in 1878 as a result of the construction of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway, which made McGehee a key transportation hub in the region. Named after its founder, Abner McGehee, the city quickly grew as an agricultural center, with cotton and timber being the primary industries. The city’s strategic location along the railway network facilitated trade and commerce, contributing to its development over the years. Today, McGehee is known for its strong sense of community and its efforts to preserve its rich history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

McGehee is served by the McGehee School District, which includes McGehee High School, McGehee Junior High, and McGehee Elementary School. The city is home to several important landmarks, including the World War II Japanese American Internment Museum, which provides a moving account of the internment camps located in the area during World War II. The museum is housed in the historic Jerome-Rohwer Interpretive Museum and Visitor Center, which also offers exhibits on local history and culture. The annual Owlfest is a major event in McGehee, celebrating the community with food, music, and various family-friendly activities. The city’s proximity to the Mississippi River also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Arkansas City

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 366 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 71630
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 33.6082° N
  • Longitude: 91.2060° W

Location and History

Arkansas City is a small town located in the southern part of Desha County, Arkansas, along the banks of the Mississippi River. The town was established in the early 19th century and served as the county seat for many years before the seat was moved to McGehee. Arkansas City played a significant role in the development of the Arkansas Delta, particularly as a key port on the Mississippi River during the steamboat era. The town’s economy was historically based on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. Despite its small size, Arkansas City has a rich history and was a significant location during the Civil War and the early development of the Delta region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arkansas City is part of the McGehee School District, with students attending schools in nearby McGehee. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Desha County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a reminder of the town’s historical significance as the former county seat. The nearby Mississippi River Levee offers opportunities for walking and enjoying scenic views of the river. The annual Arkansas City Blues Festival celebrates the town’s cultural heritage, featuring live music, food, and other activities that bring the community together. The town’s historical significance and proximity to the river make it a unique destination for those interested in the history of the Arkansas Delta.

Watson

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: 211 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 71674
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 33.8812° N
  • Longitude: 91.2657° W

Location and History

Watson is a small town located in the southeastern part of Desha County, Arkansas. The town was established in the early 20th century and developed primarily as an agricultural community. Watson’s location near the Arkansas River provided a natural advantage for farming, with the rich delta soil being ideal for growing crops such as cotton and soybeans. The town’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with many residents working in farming and related industries. Despite its small size, Watson has a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its rural way of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Watson is part of the Dumas School District, with students attending schools in nearby Dumas. The town is home to several local landmarks, including the Watson Methodist Church, which has been a central part of the community for many years. The nearby Arkansas River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities, reflecting Watson’s connection to the natural environment. The town’s annual events, such as the Watson Community Picnic, bring residents together to celebrate their heritage and foster a strong sense of community spirit. Watson’s small-town charm and rural setting make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle.

Map of Cities in Desha County, AR