Before the earthquakes of 1811-12, there were five settlements: La Petite Prairie, Cooter, Pemiscot Bayou, Little River and Portage Bay.  After the quake, inhabitants fled, abandoning their homes and possessions.  Only two families remained.

Caruthersville became the County seat in 1899.  The river plays an  important role in community life, just as it did in earlier times.  Towboats and barges have replaced steamboats, but the best place to "watch the river" is the same.  Reynolds Park, dedicated to the man credited with building the levees and seawall, is a favorite with locals and visitors.

Today, the riverfront still bustles with activity.  Board the City of Caruthersville, the only casino in the Bootheel, an authentic reproduction of a 19th century steamboat.  The casino has more than 10,000 square feet of gaming space and hosts name entertainment and many special events.

Pemiscot County is no longer the "land of liquid mud".  Levees protect the land and effective drainage systems have turned the swamplands into some of the world's best farms.  Cotton, soybeans, corn and grains are the leading crops.  Catfish farming, in recent years, has added an interesting "patchwork" appearance to the landscape.

In May, come enjoy the southern hospitality of Caruthersville.  Arts & crafts, concessions and live bands will entertain visitors at this annual event.

On the first weekend in August, if you like BBQ, then this is your event.  On Thursday, come to Caruthersville on the riverfront and enjoy the Catfish Carnival.  Contestants are encouraged to prepare catfish in any way they choose.  On Friday & Saturday is the Annual BBQ Cook-off, sanctioned by the Memphis International BBQ.