West Memphis Travel Guide

West Memphis is widely considered as a part and extension of the Memphis metropolitan area since it is located directly across the Mississippi River from downtown Memphis. Established in 1884, West Memphis became the new center forgovernment and business within the Crittenden County after the Civil War. Due to large resources of huge old growth forests around this young town, it soon turned into a lumber industry which added fuel for the progress of West Memphis into the twentieth century. With the construction of a railroad bridge over the river in 1892, milled lumber and logs were now transported by rail and the river.

The bridge across the Mississippi River at Memphis was constructed in the year 1917 which eventually heralded a great growth opportunity for West Memphis in the new era of the automobile age. West Memphis was now officially incorporated in 1923, and ever since continued to grow to become this largest town in Crittenden County. The ever increasing demand for industrial products produced and shipped through West Memphis continued and a second automobile bridge connecting Memphis and West Memphis was constructed in 1949.

The central location and transportation infrastructure has enabled West Memphis to become an important hub for distribution and assembly operations. The Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 along with the Mississippi River, which is a major cargo waterway and railway networks have immensely contributed to make such a scenario possible. As of now, this small town is big fun, where you can enjoy dog racing, electronic games, stock car-racing, events, festivals, concerts and theater. Moreover, with plenty to do, West Memphis is just minutes away from other area attractions in Memphis and Tunica.