Two natural disasters had devastating effects on the area 's economy . The first was the Great Flood of 1927 , a 100-year flood . Due to levee breaks , most of northern and southeastern Jefferson County were flooded . The severe drought of 1930 caused another failure of crops , adding to the problems of economic conditions during the Great Depression . Pine Bluff residents scrambled to survive . In 1930 , two of the larger banks failed
Great Flood of 1927
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927
Pine Bluff, Arkansas