Visitors Guide to Paragould, Arkansas
"A City as Unique as Its Name"

Known as the “Friendly City”, Paragould came into existence as a result of the junction in 1882 between the competing railroads of J. W. Paramore, whose line linked Arkansas to Texas, and Jay Gould, whose line ran south to Helena. A community formed at this junction and when the area gained a post office, postmaster Marcus Meriwether, named the growing town Paragould deriving the name from Paramore and Gould. While residents were proud of Paragould’s name, legend says that Gould objected to his name’s being second and refused to list the new town on his schedules.

Residents incorporated Paragould in the early 1880’s when the area was still an uncultivated timber-covered tract. Eastern Arkansas contained some of the highest quality lumber sources in the nation. With readily available rail transportation, the timber industry grew and boomtowns developed all along the rail lines. In 1883 the citizens of Greene County voted to move the county seat from the small community of Gainesville to Paragould. In 1888, the historic Greene County Courthouse was constructed at the corner of 3rd Street and W. Court Street. The courthouse was used until the current Greene County Courthouse was built next door in 1996. Since then, the historic courthouse has undergone extensive renovation. The building currently serves as the office of the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Paragould was thriving at the turn of the 20th century. The city was able to support the demands of new industries and a rising population. By 1910, the town had three department stores, an opera house, a hospital, and six banks. However, as the 1920s neared, the timber industry began to slow down. The once vast tract of timber surrounding the town was cut down but became useable as farmland. As the timber business declined, workers started turning to agriculture. Agricultural production of cotton, corn, and soybeans soon became the area’s most important industry.

On Armistice Day, November 11, 1924, the city became home to the second oldest Statue of Liberty in America. Residents raised $2,000 to purchase a small-scale replica of the original Statue of Liberty in New York City. The statue served as a memorial to the Greene County men who were killed in World War I. Wings were added after World War II so the names of those killed during that war could be added. Subsequently, names for Greene County men who perished during the Korea, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars were also added. The statue continues to stand honoring the fallen soldiers on the lawn of the historic Greene County Courthouse.

Paragould offers many opportunities for individuals to learn about its rich past. Residents and visitors alike can hike the Paragould History Trail, a 2.2-mile trail that follows sidewalks through the city’s historic district. Participants will pass by 18 properties that include historic homes, churches, the old Greene County Courthouse and the Greene County Museum, where the trail begins and ends.

Opened in 2008, the Greene County Museum provides a wealth of information about Paragould. The museum is located in the former home of Arkansas Governor J. Marion Futrelland is included in the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. Each of the 14 rooms at the museum is dedicated to one aspect of Greene County history, such as railroads, timber, military, pioneers, Native Americans, and more. Another historic site open to the public is the historic Greene County Courthouse. The building currently houses the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Judge Gerald Brown Courtroom offers panoramic views of downtown Paragould, as well as the opportunity to view memorable plaques gracing the walls.

Additionally, downtown Paragould offers dining options, entertainment and specialty shops all housed in historic buildings constructed in the late 1800s to early 1900s. A stroll down Pruett Street gives individuals a peek at some of these early buildings. Just

east of Pruett is a main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. The daily sounds of trains passing by are reminiscent of the city’s early days. The Collins Theater, old Bank of Commerce building and Alvin Samuels Gin are among other historic landmarks located in the downtown area.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Greene County offers Crowley’s Ridge State Park. The park occupies the former homestead of Benjamin Crowley whose family first settled the area. With 26 campsites, four fully equipped duplex cabins, picnic areas and several large pavilions constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930’s, the park is a great destination for families wanting quality time. The park features a 31-acre fishing lake or by hiking one of its scenic trails. The park also facilitates educational events throughout the year and operates a 3 1/2-acre swimming lake complete with paddle boats and lifeguards. Another nearby site, Lake Frierson State Park, is known especially for its 335-acre fishing lake and barrier-free fishing pier. The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, rental fishing boats, and playgrounds. Guests enjoy campsites with or without water and electric hookups and a visitor center with interpretive exhibits.

Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce - The official website of the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Explore the Upper Delta Region of the Mississippi River