Peetie Wheatstraw Marker

NOTE:  While Cotton Plant is technically in Woodruff County, it is just barely across the line from Monroe County and near Brinkley, so we include it on "Drive and Discover" tours through the Arkansas Delta Byways region.

Peetie Wheatstraw, whose real name was William Bunch, was born in Ripley, Tenn., but raised in Cotton Plant. He left Arkansas in 1927 and later settled in East St. Louis. This flamboyant singer, pianist and guitarist recorded more than 160 songs during the 1930s and gained much acclaim. He billed himself at the “Devil’s Son-In-Law” and the “High Sheriff from Hell.” He died in an auto accident in 1941 and is buried in Crowders Cemetery near Cotton Plant.

To reach the cemetery from Cotton Plant, travel east on Ark. 38 (which is also Ark. 17 North) for about three miles and look for the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. The cemetery is next to the church.