The city of Caruthersville, Missouri has a population of approximately 6,465 people. Approximately 60% of the local economy comes from the Mississippi river barge industry. The river transport industry helps send cash crops from the area to distribution centers along the Mississippi delta region. A riverboat casino in the city has also helped revitalize the economy and bring in new tourist dollars. This makes it a desirable place to live and trade.
Caruthersville is home to the famous musician Cedric Kyles. Although he was born in Jefferson City, he spent a large portion of his youth in Caruthersville. Cedric the Entertainer is the most famous resident of the city. His popularity is the result of his early career as a singer and songwriter. A recent survey of the population showed that the town has an estimated population of around 6,500.
Caruthersville has a history of many businesses and events. It hosted the Caruthersville Centennial Parade on June 4, 1957. It was one of the city's first parades, and was celebrated with a beard-growing contest. The Caruthersville Centennial Parade also included a pageant titled "Legend of Caruthersville."
Caruthersville is the largest city in Pemiscot County and the county seat. It is situated along the Mississippi River in the Bootheel region. The city's name, "Pemiskaw," comes from the Indian word pemiskaw, which means "liquid mud." Native Americans inhabited the area thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Mississippian culture created earthwork mounds throughout the Mississippi Valley, which rise above the surrounding delta-like plain.