Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The City of Pine Bluff is the county seat of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Pine Bluff has a population of approximately 50,600. Sited on a bank overlooking the Arkansas River, Pine Bluff is largely surrounded by rich delta farmland, with pine forests to the west. Agriculture, cotton processing and wood products are key industries for Pine Bluff. Major employers in other areas include Tyson Foods, Union Pacific Railroad, and Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Cultural events in Pine Bluff include a silent film festival hosted by the Saenger Theatre, a 1924 picture palace where theatrical acts such as Harry Houdini and the Ziegfeld Follies once performed. Pine Bluff also presents a number of food festivals and bass fishing tournaments each year. The city is also home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

First settled by French-Quapaw fur trader Joseph Bonne in 1819, the area that would later become Pine Bluff was ceded to the U.S. by the Quapaw in 1824. Pine Bluff was incorporated in 1839. Prior to the Civil War, Pine Bluff's prime commodity was cotton, much of it produced by slave labor. Following the Civil War and occupation by Union forces, the city's economy began to recover slowly. African-American residents founded businesses and schools and were elected to public office, helping to revitalize the city. In the late 19th century, railroads, including the Cotton Belt Railway, established branch lines and maintenance yards. Lumber mills such as the Sawyer-Austin Lumber Company and the Bluff City Lumber Company flourished with the increased market access brought by the railroads. The middle of the 20th century saw the construction of the Pine Bluff Arsenal, which is still in operation, and the construction of the International Paper Company and Dierks Paper Company mills in 1957-58. Although cotton, paper and wood products are still key commodities for Pine Bluff, other local industries include poultry processing, wire products and electrical transformer manufacturing, and healthcare services.

Pine Bluff's history as an industrial center makes asbestos exposure an ongoing concern. Workers exposed to asbestos may be at risk for mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the lungs. If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos in Pine Bluff, you may benefit by seeking counsel from an asbestos attorney.

Jobsites in Pine Bluff where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Pine Bluff, AR have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Pine Bluff, AR

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Pine Bluff, AR. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.