WEST MEMPHIS

city, Crittenden county, eastern Arkansas, U.S. It lies along the west bank of the Mississippi River opposite Memphis, Tennessee (with which it is linked by bridges). It was founded in 1910 as a logging camp, near the site of Fort Esperanza (built by the Spanish in 1797), and was known as Bragg's Mill until 1927, when it was incorporated as a city and renamed West Memphis. The city subsequently absorbed the neighboring town of Hulbert. West Memphis is a timber, cotton, and shipping centre. Retail trade is important, as is the manufacture of chemicals and automotive lubricants. The city is home to one of the world's largest greyhound racing parks. Pop. (1990) 28,259; (1998 est.) 26,581.