Small-town vibes and a lumber-based industry in rural Crossett
In rural Southeast Arkansas, residents of the small town of Crossett unite around high school football, outdoor activities, community events and multigenerational ties. "I call it the Crossett game," says Sarah Stagg, a lifelong resident and employee at the Ashley News Observer. "When you start talking to a group of Crossett residents, within 7 minutes, y'all are going to fall into who's kin to whom. People who have transplanted here, they just sit back in awe of how much we know about each other."
This community originated as a company town for the Crossett Lumber Company, and the forest products industry is still dominant. Stagg says the population is shrinking. "But the smaller we get it's like the more determined we are to be here," Stagg says.
The Georgia-Pacific paper mill, which has been a longtime source of employment and environmental challenges for the town, is still operational despite significant downsizing in 2019.
Original company homes offer practicality and functionality
A few of the original company houses, built by Crossett Lumber Company in the early 20th century, still stand as a reminder of the early days. They often have a narrow shotgun-style layout with front and back porches, and their distinctive color earned its own name: Crossett gray. Gable-front bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes are the predominant styles on the tree-lined residential streets. The median list price is about $150,000, significantly lower than Arkansas's median.
STEM learning at Crossett schools
Crossett School District earns an overall C from Niche and offers one elementary, middle and high school in town. It recently expanded its preschool program with an additional classroom. Crossett Middle School and High School offer the Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST) Initiative, through which students can learn and apply different STEM skills to community-based projects. Residents rally behind the Crossett High School Eagles at Friday night football games. After high school, students may pursue an associate or technical degree at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett.
Natural areas and a scenic city park
Locals enjoy hunting and fishing in the surrounding areas, including Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, about 8 miles west. Hunters must abide by federal, state and park regulations. The refuge's 65,000 acres also offer birding, hiking, frogging and crawfishing. Crossett City Park is a popular city landmark with a playground and a nearly 3-mile walking trail around Lucas Pond. "A lot of us go there, whether we're walking with the family around the short end, or runners that run the whole thing several times," Stagg says. The city also maintains a recently renovated public pool, a sports complex with baseball, softball and soccer fields, and a library.
A few local favorites, more shopping and dining options out of town
Dining options here are mostly fast-food. But residents appreciate their small local selection. Beech Street Bistro specializes in Creole cuisine and offers regular specials such as steak and catfish. SheBrews is a go-to breakfast spot with hot and iced espresso drinks, avocado toast and sandwiches. Walmart Supercenter, Brookshire's and Dollar General offer groceries, and Atwoods sells farm and feed supplies. Locals also rely on surrounding towns such as El Dorado, about 45 miles west, and Monroe, about 50 miles south, for shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Churches and events bring Crossett together
Crossett has an abundance of churches. Residents often frequent more than one, according to Stagg. "Right now we have vacation bible school going on," she says. "Parents will take their young kids to one church and when they get done with their week-long stint they'll go to the next vacation bible school and the next." Locals also come together for annual events. In May, rodeo professionals come to town to compete for big money at the PRCA Rodeo. The Wiggins Cabin Festival is a longstanding Crossett tradition with a 5K race, dragon boat races, live music and vendor booths at Crossett City Park in the fall.
Highways and medical services in car-dependent Crossett
Residents mainly rely on cars to get in and out of Crossett. Public bus routes aren't available, but Southeast Arkansas Transportation provides non-emergency door-to-door rides by appointment. U.S. Highway 82 is the main east-west route through town, and State Highway 133 is the main north-south route. Ashley County Medical Center is a 25-bed hospital providing critical services such as surgery, labor and delivery and emergency care. Crossett has a general aviation airport, and for commercial flights, locals make the nearly 50-mile trip south to Monroe Regional Airport. From there, Delta Airlines and American Airlines fly to Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Georgia-Pacific paper mill works to meet EPA standards
The Georgia-Pacific paper mill has been the subject of controversy regarding air and water pollution and possible health concerns. In a 2018 settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the company agreed to pay $600,000 in civil penalties and install $4.9 million in pollution abatement equipment to address alleged Clean Air Act violations. Arkansas is part of the tornado-prone Dixie Alley region, which has seen an increase in severe wind events in recent years.
