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Blytheville, AR

Frequently asked questions

Blytheville, AR

Blytheville is the county seat and the largest city in Mississippi County, Arkansas, United States. It is approximately 60 miles (100 km) north of West Memphis.

Blytheville was founded by Methodist clergyman Henry T. Blythe in 1879. It received a post office the same year, was incorporated in 1889, and became the county seat for the northern half of Mississippi County (Chickasawba District) in 1901. Blytheville received telephone service and electricity in 1903, and natural gas service in 1950.

Forestry was an early industry, spurred by the massive harvesting of lumber needed to rebuild Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871. The lumber industry brought sawmills and a rowdy crowd, and the area was known for its disreputable saloon culture during the 1880s and 1890s.

The cleared forests enabled cotton farming to take hold, encouraged by ongoing levee building and waterway management; the population grew significantly after 1900. On Blytheville's western edge lies one of the largest cotton gins in North America. Soybeans and rice have also become important crops.

Health and wellness are crucial aspects of life in Blytheville. Great River Medical Center serves as a healthcare hub, providing comprehensive medical services to residents. The city promotes a healthy lifestyle, with parks and recreational areas offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents can enjoy the natural beauty of the region and stay active in community wellness programs. The city organizes regular fitness classes and wellness workshops at locations such as the Blytheville Community Wellness Center. These programs cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, encouraging participation and community engagement in healthy activities. Moreover, Blytheville's commitment to health extends to its partnership with local organizations and businesses to promote nutritious eating habits and access to fresh, locally sourced foods. The city hosts farmers' markets and collaborates with community gardens to provide residents with affordable and healthy food options. Organizations like the Mississippi County Arkansas Health Department actively engage in health education initiatives, offering resources and support for preventive care and disease management.
 

The top sites in Blytheville, AR are Blytheville Country Club, Historic Greyhound Bus Depot Visitor Center, and Thunder Bayou Golf Links.

Population: 13,406 (2020). ZIP Codes: 72315, 72316, 72319. Area code: 870. Elevation: 256 ft (78 m). Area: 20.80 sq mi (53.87 km2).

FAQs

What is Blytheville, AR famous for?

Blytheville, established as a lumber mill town in the 1880s, has also served as a center for the cotton-growing industry, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) airbase, and a gateway city for the Natural State. The airbase was phased out years ago, but Blytheville has emerged as a steel production center and agri-business is strong. Moreover, Blytheville's historical importance was further underscored by its designation as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) airbase, reflecting its strategic military significance during certain periods of history. Although the airbase has since been phased out, Blytheville has experienced subsequent economic shifts, emerging as a prominent center for steel production. 

What is the poverty rate in Blytheville, AR?

The average household income in Blytheville is $64,514 with a poverty rate of 23.37%. The median rental costs in recent years come to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Blytheville is 38.1 years, 39.1 years for males, and 37.7 years for females.

What happened to Blytheville, AR Air Force Base?

The base officially closed on Dec. 15, 1992. The Air Force began its first environmental investigation and cleanup of the base in 1984 under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. The Air Force investigation found the main chemicals of concern on the base were petroleum products, metals, volatile organic compounds, and polychlorinated biphenyls. These contaminants entered the soil and groundwater from sites such as storage tanks (both above and below ground), landfills, small arms ranges, trap and skeet ranges, and fire-fighting training areas.

Sources

Wikipedia - Blytheville, Arkansas

City of Blytheville

AFCEC

Blytheville Country Club

World Population Review

Historic Greyhound Bus Depot Visitor Center

Thunder Bayou Golf Links

Great River Medical Center

Blytheville Community Wellness Center

Mississippi County Arkansas Health Department

Arkansas Tourism

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