West Memphis, AR

Broadway Street in West Memphis

West Memphis is a town located in Eastern Arkansas. Contrary to what its name
suggests, it is a separate entity from Memphis, Tennessee. It was named West Memphis, however, due to its close proximity to the bigger city.
Statistics:

Population: 28,092 (2006 estimate)

Location:

West Memphis

West Memphis is located in Crittenden County, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee. It is roughly bordered on the east by the river and by unincorporated area on the other three sides.

Government:

West Memphis is governed by a Mayor and City Council system of government.

Schools:

Public schools in West Memphis are in the West Memphis School District. These schools include Avondale Elementary, Bragg Elementary, East Junior High, Faulk Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Maddux Elementary, Mid-South Community College Technical Center, Richland Elementary, Weaver Elementary, West Junior High, West Memphis High School, Wonder Elementary, and Wonder Junior High.

Places of Interest:

Southland Greyhound Park 

Southland Park Racing and Gaming

I-40 and I-55 (Exit 279A) at Ingram Boulevard

Once just a greyhound racing park, Southland now boasts electronic gaming, a nightclub, live entertainment, and a full buffet.

Greyhound Racing

Southland Greyhound Park is a Greyhound and Thoroughbred racing park and casino in West Memphis, Arkansas. Over 400 Greyhound races take place at the Park each year. The facility has been revamped in recent years to include electronic games of skill, electronic Blackjack and video poker machines, following approval of the Arkansas General Assembly.

History:

The town of West Memphis was originally mapped out in 1884 by brothers William and Robert Vance whose father owned 600 acres of land in the area. The next year, Robert was made postmaster of this tiny town inhabited by just 200. In addition to the many small businesses that began springing up in West Memphis, two prominent lumber companies made their homes there. These companies, along with a railroad presence, contributed largely to the success and growth of the town. In 1923, West Memphis was incorporated.


Riverside Speedway:

Established in 1949, The Riverside International Speedway is the oldest continuous fully running race track in the United States. With sprint cars and street stocks careening around a ¼ mile dirt track at ridiculous speeds, a night at the grand old lady is fast, loud and action packed.


Freedom Fest:

Freedom Fest is an annual, family-oriented event that celebrates our nation's freedom. For one weekend in late June, the community gets together for a giant night of food, fun and fireworks at the Tilden Rogers Park. Live music and entertainment, a children's midway, a cooking contest and a 5K run highlight the weekend.


The Great Outdoors:

West Memphis is surrounded by old river lakes, bayous and marshes that offer some of the best fishing and duck hunting in the state. Horseshoe Lake has a full service marina and is one of the top bass, bream and catfish spots in Eastern Arkansas. The fall and winter months are prime duck hunting season in the area. No wonder Ducks Unlimited was founded in Memphis.

Golf:

Marion Lakes Golf Course at Marion Golf and Athletic Club is open to the public during the week. Nicknamed the Monster at Marion, this 72-par, 6866-yard course is legendary for lush Bermuda fairways and challenging bent grass greens.


Crittenden Community Theatre:

The Crittenden Arts Council is actively pushing art and art education in the West Memphis community. The Crittenden Community Theatre is one manifestation of this-growing stronger every year. Locally produced plays come to life every season in this community theatre.

Crittenden Youth Theatre:

The Arts Council is very active with West Memphis youth and offers a wide variety of entertaining, family-style stage productions throughout the season like A Midsummer Night's Dream and Charlotte's Web.

Eagle Lanes Bowling Alley:

An old school twelve-lane bowling alley at Holiday Plaza Mall, Eagle Lanes offers a unique night out on the town or a day of fun for the whole family.

Tilden Rodgers Park

Tilden Rodgers Sportsplex and Park

Whether it's tennis at one of a dozen lighted courts, a quiet day of fishing off the pier, or a picnic and barbecue with family or friends; this beautiful city park has it all. The pavilion can also be reserved for private functions.

West Memphis, occupies an area on the west bank of the Mississippi River that once included the towns of Hopefield, Bragg and Hulbert. The name "West Memphis" came into use in the early 1900s because lumber shipped from the Memphis market to foreign buyers brought higher prices. With the coming of the first rail bridge in 1892 and the first automobile bridge in 1917, West Memphis began to grow. The Memphis-Arkansas automobile bridge opened in 1949 and the I-40 (DeSoto) Bridge was dedicated in 1972. Southland Greyhound Park has been a major West Memphis attraction since 1956. Open the year around, the schedule includes live greyhound racing, plus simulcast dog and horse racing. Mid-South Community College serves the region. An Arkansas Welcome Center is located just west of town (I-40).


Dabbs Store,1320 S. Avalon

1912 commercial structure. Listed on the National Historic Register May 20, 1982.


Hamilton Apartments,113 W. Danner Street

This 1936 building is an example of Craftsman style architecture with Tudor Revival influences built at a time when West Memphis was a routine victim of floods from the back waters of the St. Francis River. Listed on the National Historic Register June 3, 1998.


Lawrie House, 600 N. 7th Street

1939 Colonial Revival residence. Listed on the National Historic Register March 28, 1996.


Mid-South Community College


Ten-Mile Bayou