Piggott Arkansas: Small Town, Big History
Many small towns across America have a claim to fame, but do you know any that have more than one? Piggott, Arkansas does. Actually, it has four.
Ever heard of Piggott? We hadn’t either until we planned a trip that had us cutting across the far northeast corner of Arkansas.
Hollywood stars walk about Piggott during the making of "A Face in the Crowd."
Visitor's Center:
100 W. Main Street
Piggott, AR 72454
Contact:
(870) 598-3167
Hours:
9 AM - 3:30 PM, M-F
Closed Sat - Sun
Website:
Piggott Chamber of Commerce
First thing you learn when in Piggott is the town is filled with southern hospitality. Next, you learn just how much the 3,500+ residents love their small town. Last thing you learn is over the years, Piggott has shown a huge, giving heart (and still does).
In case you are wondering, you pronounce it “pig + uht.” Now, on to their claim to fame.
"The Barn" served as Ernest Hemingway's studio in Piggott.
#1 – Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway is Piggott’s first claim to fame thanks to his 2nd wife, Pauline Pfeiffer. The Vogue magazine editor met Hemingway in Paris. The two married in 1927.
Pauline’s father was a prominent landowner in Piggott. The Pfeiffer’s converted a barn behind their home into a studio for Hemingway to use. He wrote various short stories and a large portion of “A Farewell to Arms” during their lengthy visits to Piggott.
Movie poster hangs next to a scene from "A Face in the Crowd."
#2 – Andy Griffith’s Film Debut
Thanks to its small-town charm, Piggott caught the eye of Hollywood producers during a movie location search.
The movie was “A Face in the Crowd” and happened to be Andy Griffith’s film debut.
The courthouse, train depot, football field, and one of the Pfeiffer homes were some of the local locations used. Filming began in 1956.
The movie premiered, at the same time, in both Piggott and New York in May 1957.
Page from "A Face in the Crowd" movie script.
"Air Mail" mural painted on the Piggott Post Office wall in 1941.
#3 – Post Office Mural Forever Stamp
During the 1930’s and 40’s, the U.S. Treasury Department commissioned 1,200 murals. The murals served three purposes. First, to provide jobs for artists during the Great Depression. Second, to boost morale and third, to illustrate community history and culture.
Piggott’s post office, built in 1941, was the recipient of Dan Rhodes “Air Mail” mural. The scene shows rural America’s connection to the world through mail via air transport.
But that’s not all. In 2019, Piggott’s mural was 1 of 5 selected as a “Post Office Murals” Forever stamp.
Photograph of "The Town of Piggott, Arkansas" WWII fighter plane.
#4 – The Piggott WWII Fighter Plane
Piggott residents outdid themselves in selling war bonds during World War II. They surpassed the $531K quota by an additional $200K. The government took notice and added an extra incentive for more.
“If Piggott, Corning, or Rector areas could sell an additional $75K worth of bonds within the next 60 days the US Government will name a fighter plane to be named any name chosen by that community.”
With the Piggott Minute Women spearheading the drive, they reached the goal. The War Department named the fighter plane “The Town of Piggott, Arkansas.” An Arkansas native, Major Pierce McKennon, flew the plane in battle from April 1943 to February 1944.
Many Reasons to Head to Piggott
Getting there is a beautiful, back roads drive. The area around town is flat, delta land, perfect for its plentiful rice fields.
Piggott is at the northern end of Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway. Also, you find Civil War routes and movements, Trail of Tears, and Southwest Trail nearby.
If you love visiting America’s small towns, Piggott is one you will enjoy. Guaranteed.
Book cover posters hang on the wall in the Piggott City Market.
"THE PIGGOTT BOYS"
We spent an hour with Clifford M. “Joe” Cole, hometown boy, attorney, and (un)official town historian. Joe is a natural storyteller who not only loves his hometown, he also knows its history well. He documented a large portion of the town’s history in his books “The Piggott Boys” and “The Piggott Boys: The Boys on the Board.” Find the books at the Piggott City Market or online HERE.
Shops in downtown Piggott across from the town square.
A Brief History of Piggott
- Originally known as Huston.
- Renamed in 1873 in honor of Dr. James A. Piggott who influenced securing the settlement’s first U.S. Post Office.
- Town plan laid out in 1882 along the St. Louis Southwestern railroad line.
- Incorporated on August 15, 1891.
- Piggott had modest growth until 1912
- Paul Pfeiffer purchased 63,000 acres, split the land into farms and homesteads.
- Pfeiffer invited St. Louis associates to move to Piggott leading to population growth to 2,000 by 1920.
- In 2020, the farming community had a population just over 3,500.
- The town square is still an integral part of the community.
Looking for more small towns to explore?
Check out our "Destinations" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
