The Ridge was used as a Military road in the Civil War by both sides, culminating in the Battle of Chalk Bluff in 1863 with 5,000 men engaged in battle at Four Mile.

Dunklin County's largest town and County seat is Kennett, which was founded in 1846. The Dunklin County Museum, located in the old city hall, attracts thousands of visitors annually to view its permanent collections of Indian artifacts, wildlife displays, exhibits of early farm equipment and memorabilia about the Bootheel. The new Jerry R Combs Lake provides fishing and boating activities, while conserving the Bootheel's wetlands.

In Malden, stop by the Bootheel Youth Museum.  This facility provides an interactive learning experience for the entire family with its hands-on exhibits and programs.  Also visit the Maiden Historical Museum, which is noted for its portrayal of the largest engineering feat at the time, the transformation of the Bootheel's swampland to some of the richest farmland in America.  Also on display at the museum is the Dennis Collection of Egyptian Antiquities, which dates back to 2000 B.C. and predates the King Tutankhamen Treasures.

In June, come taste the Annual Show-Me State Championship Cook-Off at the Fairgrounds in Kennett.  BBQ cooking championship, carnival rides and just plain good fun.

The Delta Fair parade kicks-off the festivities of this week long event.  Held in September at the Delta Fairgrounds, this event features carnival rides, livestock exhibits and other traditional fair activities.

On the first full weekend in December at the American Legion building in Kennett, come see over 200 exhibitors display their arts & crafts at this annual event.