Crittenden County

Crittenden County was formed October 22, 1825, and was the 12th county to be formed in Arkansas Territory and was named for Robert Crittenden. The county is a rich, delta farmland with the Mississippi River forming the eastern boundary. Marion is the county seat. The Mississippi River, two interstates, and three major railroads provide transportation options with Memphis just across the river. Years ago, when the Mississippi River changed its course, a natural lake was formed and it is now called Horseshoe Lake that features boating and water skiing. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge has 1,800 acres of freshwater impoundment that takes in a cypress-willow swamp teeming with wildlife. The largest manmade attraction in the county is the Southland Greyhound dog-racing park. As of the 2000 census, Crittenden County had a population of 50,866 residents.