Manila is a small town built on farming and steel
Manila, situated in the Arkansas Delta region, was called Big Lake Island until its incorporation in the early 1900s. Its name is an homage to the Battle of Manila Bay, a major military clash during the Spanish-American War. Some of the roads in the small city center are named in honor of naval battleships from the event. Beyond the downtown are fields with rows of soybeans, cornstalks, wheat and rice. However, Mayor Tracey Reinhart says that the town's economy is led by more than just farming. "Agriculture is a big industry, but you also have steel mills. There's U.S. Steel, which is the Big River Steel facility 20 miles down the road. And you have Nucor Yamato Steel. We are [one of the top] steel-producing counties in the nation." Manila offers a small-town lifestyle with convenient access to nearby communities.
Steelworkers may qualify for local housing assistance
Most homes stand within a few miles of downtown. These residences include brick ranch styles, cottages and bungalows. Some older homes were leveled to make room for new structures. Subdivisions such as Teal Pointe and Manila Country Club Estates include New Traditional houses. Past the city limits are rural homes near farmlands. Move-in-ready dwellings generally cost around $125,000 to $370,000. Mississippi County properties qualify for the county's Work Here Live Here Program, which assists steelworkers in building houses.
Manila’s recreation includes a water park and a World War I tribute
Manila City Park stands on the corner of Davis Street and Lake Street. Locals visiting the green space can enjoy the playground, baseball diamonds and tennis court. The seasonal Duncan Wall Water Park is across the road; the outdoor spot has a water slide and splash pad. The city is also home to Arkansas' smallest state park. Reaching across a single acre, the Herman Davis Memorial State Park honors a World War I veteran and Manila native. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, about 9 miles away, is popular for fishing and duck hunting.
Manila's public schools share a campus
Reinhart says the district's two schools share a campus off Olympia Street. Justin Veach Elementary, which accepts prekindergarten through sixth grade students, has a B-minus rating on Niche; locals also refer to the school as Manila Elementary. The B-rated Manila High is a comprehensive school serving grades seven through twelve. The high school offers vocational courses and advanced placement programs.
Local shops, restaurants and community events
The community contains the discount retailers, DG Market and Family Dollar. Shoppers visiting Farmer's Market Grocery can order from Pizza Pro Deli, inside the store. The area has a few national chain restaurants, but most dining options are locally owned. Reinhart says residents often visit La Cascada Mexican Restaurant and Tacker's Shake Shack. Manila residents attend social events and gatherings throughout the year. "Our Lions Club Chili Cook-Off is held in October, and the fire department has a Barbecue Festival in April," Reinhart says.
Getting in and out of Mississippi County
The area is car-dependent; the North East Arkansas Transit is available to county residents, but rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. St. Bernards Urgent Care is on AR-18; locals also visit the larger Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, about 15 miles away. Commuters can reach the nearby city by Highway 78. The Jonesboro Municipal Airport, roughly 35 miles to the west, provides direct flights to Nashville and St. Louis.
Monthly siren tests help prepare for severe weather events
Mississippi County has a risk of flooding and windstorms, which can damage properties. The city has a history of tornadoes, with the most destructive being an EF4 during a regional two-day twister outbreak in 1998. According to the city's website, tornado sirens are tested on the fourth Friday of every month.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
