Arkansas Senate approves resolution - City of Osceola celebrates sesquicentennial

"It is a changing river, built upon sand. It gives and its takes away, but the glorious past lives on in the hearts and minds of the descendants of the pioneers." - Josephine Grider Jacobs

Osceola, with its first non-Indian settlers arriving in 1812, existed for a number of years as a collection of log huts and temporary structures on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The town site was first named Plum Point, which is mentioned in the writings of Mark Twain.

Steamboats were in abundance during the early history of Plum Point, using the community as a refueling station because of the inexpensive firewood made available by the inhabitants.

The Plum Point settlement was “officially” established in 1837, became “Osceola” in 1853, and was incorporated with a mayor/council form of government in October 1875.

The city’s first election was held Nov. 20, 1875. Newspaper editor Leon Roussan was elected the first mayor. He received 82 votes while his opponents, Lloyd and Bolter received one vote each.

Roussan’s business partner J.O. Blackwood was elected recorder. Elected to the first council were D. Matthews, B. Henwood, A. Goodrich, F.M. Pettey and B.F. Jones.

On a side note, the legal notices for incorporation and election, published in The Osceola Times, were prepared by lawyer S.S. Semmes, the great-grandfather of former Congressman Bill Alexander.

Therefore, this year, marks the city’s official sesquicentennial and Mayor Joe Harris, Jr. is throwing a birthday party. In fact, the city will be celebrating the entire year long with several special events and city-wide treasure hunts.

A special committee has been established, co-chaired by Jane Stanford and John Newcomb, to celebrate the city’s heritage.

The first official sesquicentennial event will be held at the Feb. 18 City Council meeting. Mayor Harris will read the “state of the city address” with a reception to follow. The first clue for the first treasure hunt will also be given. All citizens of Osceola are invited to attend.

The second party will be a “Huck Finn” themed celebration held on March 20 at the Hybar Fishing Pond. The official “birthday party” will be held in October followed by an end of the year gala.

The Arkansas Senate officially recognized the city’s 150 years this past Wednesday with the adoption of a resolution.

Residents are urged to join in the celebration and follow #osceola150.