The state's major Mississippi River port is a beautiful old city with antebellum and Victorian homes. Its peaceful atmosphere today belies the horror of the Civil War battle that was fought there in 1863: The bloody conflict is recalled at the Confederate cemetery on Crowley's Ridge, overlooking the river. The Delta Cultural Center operates two sites of interest downtown: a restored train depot with permanent exhibits on the culture and history of the region, and a visitors center with temporary exhibits of various sorts. The King Biscuit Blues Festival takes place in Helena in October, with regional and national acts taking the stage. 90 mi/145 km east of Little Rock.
