Many Early Settlers Lived in Log Houses

In 1823, William Hector moved his family living in  Missouri to a log house built on an ancient Indian mound just east of Big Lake and close to present-day Dell. . .They were of Native American blood but living as whites. . .William knew the area well. . .It had been the hunting grounds of his people for many years. . .When Missouri made it unlawful for Native Americans to live in their state, the Hectors decided to move to Arkansas. . .READ MORE

Mississippi County, Arkansas Census in 1911

 

Dell was incorporated in 1905. . .Most residents at that time were associated with logging or the railroad. . . .By 1911, farmers were moving in to claim the cheap overcut land. . . .Wilson began as a plantation town--owned by R. E. L. Wilson. . . .Burdette was also a plantation.

 

The census seems low, but within a few years, there was be a boom in population for the entire county as farmers, tenants, and sharecroppers moved in to till the rich, alluvial soil. . . .Earl Magers--my grandfather--was one of them, arriving in Dell with his family in 1916. . . .They came from Missouri in a covered wagon. . . .just as many others arrived.

 

 

Taming Mississippi County: Hard Times in Northeast Arkansas CD On Sale Now!

 

A mix of Narratives and Songs about growing up in the

Arkansas Delta by Joe Chipman.

 

We now have the CDs on sale at Our Old Country Store.

There's also the story behind the CD and a link to

the photo shoot for Joe's second CD at the Duncan Farmstead. 

 

Visit: OUR OLD COUNTRY STORE