Napoleon, Arkansas, Desha County is an intriguing ghost town with a rich history waiting to be explored. Once a bustling river port, it has now faded into obscurity, leaving behind stories of its past glory. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Desha
Zip Code: Not available.
Latitude / Longitude: 33.7645° N, 91.0848° W
Elevation: Approximately 151 feet (46 meters) above sea level.
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Around 1832
Disestablished: 1874
Comments: Napoleon, Arkansas was strategically located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, making it a significant trade hub in the 19th century. The town thrived during the steamboat era, serving as a crucial connection in the cotton trade. However, its prosperity was short-lived due to natural disasters. The Mississippi River’s unpredictable nature led to severe flooding, which eventually washed away the town, with the final blow coming from the Great Flood of 1874.
Remains: Today, no visible remains of Napoleon exist above ground. The town site is now submerged due to the constant shifting of the Mississippi River. Occasional low water levels may reveal some remnants of structures, but these are rare and fleeting.
Current Status: Submerged and uninhabited. The area is part of the river’s natural floodplain and is not suitable for habitation or redevelopment.
Remarks: Napoleon’s story poignantly reminds us of the forces of nature and the impermanence of human settlements. Once a thriving community, it lies beneath the Mississippi waters, a ghost town lost to time. Its memory endures through historical accounts and the fascination it holds for those interested in the past.
