Traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 278 through Monticello, Arkansas gives us a quick but telling look at one of southeast Arkansas’s key regional centers. This three-mile drive captures the blend of small-town Americana with hints of modern convenience that define Monticello. We begin the route at the intersection of US-278 and US-425 on the west side of town. This area is home to several local businesses, fast food spots, and service stations, forming a typical commercial corridor that many travelers use when passing through or stocking up before heading into more rural parts of Drew County.
As we continue east, we reach the heart of Monticello — its modest downtown district. Here, U.S. Highway 278 splits into a one-way pair: McCloy Street carries westbound traffic, while Gains Avenue takes us eastbound. This configuration helps preserve the downtown street grid while maintaining steady highway traffic flow. Along Gains Avenue, we pass the Drew County Courthouse, historic storefronts, and a few local eateries that give Monticello its small-town charm. While not bustling in the big-city sense, downtown Monticello still serves as a civic and social center for the area, especially on weekends and during local events.
Once past downtown, the two directions of US-278 rejoin before reaching the intersection with Arkansas Highway 35 on the eastern edge of town. This spot marks a transition from the urbanized town center to the quieter southeastern neighborhoods and woodlands beyond. AR-35 continues southeast toward Dermott, and it’s here that we wrap up our short but well-framed tour of Monticello’s eastbound corridor. Whether you’re just passing through or exploring the area more deeply, this stretch of US-278 offers a quick glimpse at the everyday life of one of Arkansas’s quieter hubs — where civic pride, local business, and rural access all meet.
🗺️ Route Map
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