History of Blytheville, Arkansas
Blytheville is a city in Mississippi County, Arkansas that was founded in 1879 by the Rev. Henry T. Blythe, a Methodist preacher. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 16,638.
The city of Blytheville is located in Mississippi County approximately 60 miles north of West Memphis. Because of the abundance of trees, the city grew quickly and was incorporated in 1889. According to records, the city had a large and diverse population in 1890. As the vast forest began to shrink, the people of Blytheville started growing crops, such as cotton. Blytheville was a huge agricultural community until 25 years ago when farming was mechanized. Since then, there has been a growth of industry which has provided employment for Blytheville's population of approximately 18,000 residents.
Nucor, a large steel manufacturer, operates two facilities east of the town near the Mississippi River, and has announced plans for a third facility.
Blytheville is the home to Arkansas Northeastern College, a two-year community college. It was formerly known as Mississippi County Community College until the merger with the Cotton Boll Technical Institute. Until the 1990s, Blytheville was home to Blytheville Air Force Base later renamed to Eaker Air Force Base, a major airfield that was part of the Strategic Air Command.
R&B singer Dee Clark, known for his 1961 hit "Raindrops," was a native of Blytheville as was actor George Hamilton.
The current mayor of Blytheville is Barrett E. Harrison and can be contacted at 870-763-3602.
Blytheville's zip code is 72315.
The city is located along the New Madrid Fault line making it an at risk place to live.
Blytheville High School - 2006 Basketball State Champs
2007 Conferance Champs runner-up