Your cruise down the Mississippi River is a cruise through American history. Helena is the birthplace of Arkansas’ former Senior U.S. senator, Blanche Lincoln. The state capital is home to the longest running daily radio program within the U.S., King Biscuit Time.
From 1906 to 1946, state capital was a station point on the previous Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. After, a loss of rail service in early 2015, the service was rebuilt on October 1, 2015 and two new freight customers were quickly gained.
Helena’s history and culture can be seen through a number of historic homes. Antebellum and Victorian homes are found throughout the town, significantly in and around the downtown district. These include the Coolidge-Peterson House, Dinning-Hutchens House, Edwardian Inn, Estevan Hall,Hornor-Kelly House and the Pillow Thompson House.
These historic homes and churches give marvelous glimpses into the lifetime of the Old South. Most of the homes stay personal residences, therefore please respect the owners’ property and privacy rights.
King Biscuit
As the home of “King Biscuit Time,” the longest running blues radio show, Helena has an influential role in blues. There are a large number of festivals, and humanities and music events each year.
In the 1940’s and 1950’s, blues took off and Helena, Arkansas was in the middle of it all. As a historic port town, Helena has long been a crossroads for artists from all backgrounds. When the show started in 1941, it was the sole radio show within the country to feature African-American musicians.
Helena is additionally home to the world-famous King Biscuit Blues competition. For 3 days annually in October, you can enjoy one of the nation’s foremost showcases of blues music.
Beyond the blues, Helena hosts many different festivals and events that commemorate American music and culture at its best. Several celebrated musicians have come back from the Helena and Phillips County space. These include Levon Helm (from Marvell), Conway Twitty, laddie Williamson, and Robert Lockwood boy.
The Legendary Blues Fest is a live Blues music concert and competition on the Mississippi River in historic downtown Helena.
More Music in Helena
Another thing to experience is are the Warfield Concerts. These outstanding free musical events feature every type of gospel music on the Mississippi River. That includes native, regional and national tunes.
King Biscuit Time, the longest running daily blues radio show within the us, was first broadcast by KFFA Radio.
The musical contribution of the Arkansas Delta is important. Few places have left a bigger stamp on music. Blues, classical, country, folk, gospel, jazz, and rock-and-roll musicians, singers and songwriters call the Delta home. The Arkansas Delta’s broad musical heritage reflects, in part, historic settlement and land use patterns. The Delta’s rich past includes some of the world’s most notable artists.
