Arkansas City, the county seat of Desha County, is located in the Mississippi River Delta which is the area where Europeans first crossed the Mississippi in 1541.

Arkansas City used to be a city with a population of about 15 000 and a prosperous commerce. But most of the city was ruined by the great flood in 1927. The lumber mills, homes and businesses were destroyed. The flood also moved the channel, that was the used for the ferryboat connection between Memphis and Vicksberg, one mile to the east, which was devestating for Arkansas City. The town has never come back to the same size that it had before the flood but hanks to that hard work of the citizens of Desha County, Arkansas City today has seven buildings listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Arkansas City can be very proud of its public school system: the senior high school boasts of being among the best in Southeast Arkansas.

The population of Arkansas City is today c. 523 and the Potlatch Paper Mill provides the major source of income.

City Officials

Position	Name
Mayor	Carolyne Blissett
Recorder	Lisa Morgan
Police Chief	Elbert Bonner
Fire Chief	Stacy Cantrell
Sanitation Superintendent	Jonathan McCuller
Street Superintendent	David Lison
Water Superintendent	Steve Jones
Wastewater Superintendent	Steve Jones
Code Enforcement Officer	Jonathan Cowen
Council Member	David Lison
Council Member	Joyce Mangum
Council Member	Steve Morley
Council Member	Jean Price