Due to the proximity to the Black River, Powhatan experienced several drownings in its heyday.

In 1873, three boys drowned while bathing in the river.¹

 1881: Mr. Haskett fell off a steamer and drowned at Powhatan. ^1a

 In 1952, a rash of drownings happened up and down the Black River.²

^Sources

^{1. Daily Arkansas Gazette (Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas) · 2 Jul 1873, Wed · Page 33 boys drowned.pdf}

^{1a: Arkansas Democrat (Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas) · 28 Mar 1881, Mon · Page 3 drowning.pdf}

^{2.Hope Star (Hope, Hempstead, Arkansas) · 10 Jul 1952, Thu · Page 24 body found in river.pdf}