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History of Arkansas, USA
Journey back in time to Arkansas, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Arkansas, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Arkansas
"If I could rest anywhere it would be in Arkansas where the men are of the real half-horse, half-alligator breed such as grows nowhere else on the face of the universal earth." Attributed to frontiersman Davy Crockett
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996
Elevations in the state range from 54 feet above sea level in the far southeast corner to 2,753 feet above at Mount Magazine, the state's highest point.
50states.com
Arkansas means "people of the south wind".
Famous for its diamond trade, Arkansas is the only state where tourists can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source. At Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, tourists can dig through fields maintained by the park and are allowed to keep any diamonds they discover.
rd.com
"The first Europeans to arrive in the area of present-day Arkansas were French explorers accompanied by Illinois Indian guides. The Illinois referred to the Ugakhpa people native to the region as the Akansa (“wind people” or “people of the south wind”), which the French adopted and pronounced with an r. They added an s to the end for pluralization, and for some reason it stuck when the word was adopted as the state's name. The pronunciation of Arkansas was a matter of debate (Ar-ken-saw vs. Ar-kan-zes) until it was officially decided by an act of the state legislature in 1881." mentalfloss.com
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996
Elevations in the state range from 54 feet above sea level in the far southeast corner to 2,753 feet above at Mount Magazine, the state's highest point.
50states.com
Arkansas means "people of the south wind".
Famous for its diamond trade, Arkansas is the only state where tourists can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source. At Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, tourists can dig through fields maintained by the park and are allowed to keep any diamonds they discover.
rd.com
"The first Europeans to arrive in the area of present-day Arkansas were French explorers accompanied by Illinois Indian guides. The Illinois referred to the Ugakhpa people native to the region as the Akansa (“wind people” or “people of the south wind”), which the French adopted and pronounced with an r. They added an s to the end for pluralization, and for some reason it stuck when the word was adopted as the state's name. The pronunciation of Arkansas was a matter of debate (Ar-ken-saw vs. Ar-kan-zes) until it was officially decided by an act of the state legislature in 1881." mentalfloss.com
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VINTAGE ARKANSAS
Arkansas Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Arkansas, USA
(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
Arkansas, USA
Postcard
Map of Arkansas
Arkansas, USA
Flag of Arkansas
Adopted February 26, 1913
Adopted February 26, 1913
Arkansas, USA
Postcard
The Dam at Devil's Den State Park, Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas, USA
Postcard
 was opened to traffic in May 1922. The bridge was the fourth to span the Arkansas River at Fort Smith.
(Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Central Arkansas Library System)
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Free Bridge, Fort Smith, Ark.
The Free Bridge across the Arkansas River at Fort Smith (Sebastian County) was opened to traffic in May 1922. The bridge was the fourth to span the Arkansas River at Fort Smith.
(Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Central Arkansas Library System)
Arkansas, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f2160&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2flittle_rock_ark_3.jpg&description=, Arkansas, USA - Hotel Marion, Little Rock, Ark.
500 Rooms, Absolutely Fireproof.
"The Marion Hotel (also known as the Hotel Marion) in downtown Little Rock (Pulaski County) was one of the most famous businesses in Arkansas for much of the twentieth century. Construction began on the hotel in 1905. The Marion was the tallest structure in the state from when it opened in 1907 until 1911. The hotel closed in early 1980 and was demolished to make way for the Excelsior Hotel (which later became the Peabody and then the Marriott) and the Statehouse Convention Center..." (www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net)){kind=small}
Hotel Marion, Little Rock, Ark.
500 Rooms, Absolutely Fireproof.
"The Marion Hotel (also known as the Hotel Marion) in downtown Little Rock (Pulaski County) was one of the most famous businesses in Arkansas for much of the twentieth century. Construction began on the hotel in 1905. The Marion was the tallest structure in the state from when it opened in 1907 until 1911. The hotel closed in early 1980 and was demolished to make way for the Excelsior Hotel (which later became the Peabody and then the Marriott) and the Statehouse Convention Center..." (www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net)
500 Rooms, Absolutely Fireproof.
"The Marion Hotel (also known as the Hotel Marion) in downtown Little Rock (Pulaski County) was one of the most famous businesses in Arkansas for much of the twentieth century. Construction began on the hotel in 1905. The Marion was the tallest structure in the state from when it opened in 1907 until 1911. The hotel closed in early 1980 and was demolished to make way for the Excelsior Hotel (which later became the Peabody and then the Marriott) and the Statehouse Convention Center..." (www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net)
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS PRIDE - Catfish and Duck Calling Edition – Genealogy Ceramic Coffee Mug
Show off your Razorback roots with this ceramic mug that’s as charming and unique as the Natural State itself. Perfect for your morning coffee or evening tea, this mug features the humorous caption: "I'm from Arkansas! That explains a lot about my love for fried catfish and my expertise in duck calling."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Arkansas: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Arkansas through the years.
1686 - Established near the mouth of the Arkansas River in 1686, Arkansas Post was the first permanent white settlement in the state.
1783 - The Colbert Incident occurred at Arkansas Post. It was the only Revolutionary War skirmish in the state.
In 1783, the Colbert Incident marked a significant event in the history of Arkansas Post, the only Revolutionary War skirmish to take place in the state. This confrontation occurred between Spanish and British forces, reflecting the complex international dynamics of the time. At the time, Arkansas Post was a strategic trading and military outpost, situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers.
The Colbert Incident stemmed from tensions between Spain, which controlled the territory, and Britain, which sought to expand its influence. A British expedition, led by Captain James Colbert, attempted to seize control of Arkansas Post but was met with resistance from the Spanish garrison. Despite being outnumbered, the Spanish defenders, under the command of Lieutenant Governor Fernando de Leyba, managed to repel the British forces, securing the outpost for Spain.
The Colbert Incident stemmed from tensions between Spain, which controlled the territory, and Britain, which sought to expand its influence. A British expedition, led by Captain James Colbert, attempted to seize control of Arkansas Post but was met with resistance from the Spanish garrison. Despite being outnumbered, the Spanish defenders, under the command of Lieutenant Governor Fernando de Leyba, managed to repel the British forces, securing the outpost for Spain.
1826 - Smallpox epidemic reached Arkansas
1836 - Arkansas became twenty-fifth state
1861 - Arkansas seceded from Union May 6; admitted to Confederate States of America
In 1861, Arkansas, a southern state in the United States, seceded from the Union on May 6th. This decision came shortly after the outbreak of the American Civil War, which began in April of the same year. The secession was motivated by a range of factors, including the state's economic reliance on slavery, which was a key issue dividing the North and South at the time.
Following its secession, Arkansas joined the Confederate States of America, the breakaway government formed by southern states that had seceded from the Union. Arkansas' decision to secede and join the Confederacy had significant consequences for the state and its residents, as it became embroiled in the Civil War that would last for four years and result in significant loss of life and destruction across the country.
Following its secession, Arkansas joined the Confederate States of America, the breakaway government formed by southern states that had seceded from the Union. Arkansas' decision to secede and join the Confederacy had significant consequences for the state and its residents, as it became embroiled in the Civil War that would last for four years and result in significant loss of life and destruction across the country.
1887 - Bauxite (aluminum) discovered in Arkansas
In two or three paragraphs, briefly describe this historical event: 1887 - Bauxite (aluminum) discovered in Arkansas
101/ 101
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In 1887, a significant discovery was made in Arkansas that would eventually play a pivotal role in the industrial world - the discovery of bauxite, the primary ore used to produce aluminum. This discovery was made in the region of Pulaski County, near the town of Bauxite, hence the name of the mineral. The discovery of bauxite in Arkansas was a result of extensive geological surveys and explorations that were being conducted in the region at the time, spurred by the growing demand for aluminum, which was emerging as a versatile and valuable metal.
The discovery of bauxite in Arkansas had far-reaching consequences. It led to the establishment of numerous mining operations in the state, transforming it into a significant player in the aluminum industry. This discovery also had economic implications, as the mining and processing of bauxite...
Read more
101/ 101
ChatGPT
In 1887, a significant discovery was made in Arkansas that would eventually play a pivotal role in the industrial world - the discovery of bauxite, the primary ore used to produce aluminum. This discovery was made in the region of Pulaski County, near the town of Bauxite, hence the name of the mineral. The discovery of bauxite in Arkansas was a result of extensive geological surveys and explorations that were being conducted in the region at the time, spurred by the growing demand for aluminum, which was emerging as a versatile and valuable metal.
The discovery of bauxite in Arkansas had far-reaching consequences. It led to the establishment of numerous mining operations in the state, transforming it into a significant player in the aluminum industry. This discovery also had economic implications, as the mining and processing of bauxite...
1891 - First "Jim Crow" law passed segregating blacks and whites on trains and trams
In 1891, the first "Jim Crow" law was passed in the United States, marking a significant moment in the history of racial segregation. The law mandated the segregation of blacks and whites on trains and trams, reflecting a broader trend of racial discrimination that was prevalent in many parts of American society at the time. This law was part of a series of legislative and social measures aimed at enforcing racial segregation and denying African Americans equal rights and opportunities.
The term "Jim Crow" was derived from a minstrel show character that stereotyped African Americans, and it came to symbolize the system of racial segregation and discrimination that existed in the southern United States for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The passage of this law reflected and reinforced deeply entrenched racist attitudes and practices that persisted in American society, leading to decades of institutionalized segregation and disenfranchisement for African...
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The term "Jim Crow" was derived from a minstrel show character that stereotyped African Americans, and it came to symbolize the system of racial segregation and discrimination that existed in the southern United States for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The passage of this law reflected and reinforced deeply entrenched racist attitudes and practices that persisted in American society, leading to decades of institutionalized segregation and disenfranchisement for African...
1895 - Arkansas
Arkansas, a S. central state of the American Union, bounded N. by Missouri, E. by the Mississippi River, which separates it from Tennessee and Mississippi, S. by Louisiana and Texas, and W. by Texas and the ? Territory. Its southern limit is 33° N. lat., and its northern is the parallel of 36° 30'. Area, 53,850 square miles...
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February 13, 1905 - Morning lows of -29 degrees at Pond AR, -40 degrees at Lebanon KS, and -40 degrees at Warsaw MO established all-time records for those three states
1906 - Diamonds discovered near Murfreesboro, Arkansas
In 1906, the small town of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, experienced a significant event that would put it on the map for years to come. Diamonds were discovered in the area, sparking a rush of excitement and activity as people flocked to the region in search of their fortune. This discovery led to the establishment of the Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is now a popular tourist destination where visitors can try their luck at finding these precious gems.
The diamond discovery in Murfreesboro had a lasting impact on the town and the state of Arkansas. It brought attention to the rich natural resources of the area and boosted the local economy. Additionally, the ongoing attraction of people searching for diamonds has helped sustain tourism in the region, making it a memorable chapter in the history of Arkansas.
The diamond discovery in Murfreesboro had a lasting impact on the town and the state of Arkansas. It brought attention to the rich natural resources of the area and boosted the local economy. Additionally, the ongoing attraction of people searching for diamonds has helped sustain tourism in the region, making it a memorable chapter in the history of Arkansas.
1909 - March 8 - The town of Brinkley AR was struck by a tornado which killed 49 persons and caused 600,000 dollars damage.
The tornado, which was two-thirds of a mile in width, destroyed 860 buildings. Entire families were killed as houses were completely swept away by the tornado. Tornadoes killed 64 persons and injured 671 others in Dallas and Monroe counties during the Arkansas tornado outbreak.
1920 - Oil discovered near Smackover, Arkansas
In 1920, a significant event occurred near Smackover, Arkansas, that would change the region's landscape and economy forever. Oil, a precious natural resource, was discovered in the area, leading to a rush of oil exploration and drilling activities. This discovery sparked a boom in the local economy, attracting thousands of workers and entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the newfound oil wealth.
The discovery of oil near Smackover had far-reaching effects beyond the immediate area. It contributed to the growth of the oil industry in the southern United States, leading to the development of new technologies and techniques for extracting and refining oil. Additionally, the economic impact of the oil discovery helped to transform Smackover from a small, rural community into a thriving town, bringing new infrastructure, businesses, and opportunities to the region.
The discovery of oil near Smackover had far-reaching effects beyond the immediate area. It contributed to the growth of the oil industry in the southern United States, leading to the development of new technologies and techniques for extracting and refining oil. Additionally, the economic impact of the oil discovery helped to transform Smackover from a small, rural community into a thriving town, bringing new infrastructure, businesses, and opportunities to the region.
1927 - Over one-fifth of state flooded by Mississippi River
In 1927, the Mississippi River experienced one of the most devastating floods in U.S. history, affecting over one-fifth of the state of Arkansas. Heavy rains and snowmelt caused the river to swell beyond its banks, breaching levees and inundating vast areas of farmland and communities. The floodwaters submerged towns and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom lost their homes and livelihoods.
The Great Flood of 1927 prompted a massive relief effort and drew national attention to the inadequate levee system along the Mississippi River. The disaster also highlighted racial and economic disparities, as African Americans were disproportionately affected and often received insufficient aid. The flood led to significant changes in flood control policy and the development of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project, a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at preventing future catastrophic floods along the Mississippi River basin.
The Great Flood of 1927 prompted a massive relief effort and drew national attention to the inadequate levee system along the Mississippi River. The disaster also highlighted racial and economic disparities, as African Americans were disproportionately affected and often received insufficient aid. The flood led to significant changes in flood control policy and the development of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project, a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at preventing future catastrophic floods along the Mississippi River basin.
1932 - Hattie O. W. Caraway (D) was the first woman elected to the United States Senate. She succeeded her husband.
In 1932, Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway made history by becoming the first woman elected to the United States Senate. Her election was a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights. Caraway, a Democrat from Arkansas, succeeded her late husband, Thaddeus Caraway, who had served in the Senate until his death. Initially appointed to fill her husband's vacancy, Caraway's decision to run for a full term was groundbreaking and challenged traditional gender roles and expectations.
Despite facing significant challenges and prejudices due to her gender, Caraway ran a successful campaign, winning the election and securing her place in history. Throughout her tenure in the Senate, she championed various causes, including veterans' benefits and women's rights. Caraway's election paved the way for future generations of women to enter the political arena and helped break down barriers to women's full participation in government and public life.
Despite facing significant challenges and prejudices due to her gender, Caraway ran a successful campaign, winning the election and securing her place in history. Throughout her tenure in the Senate, she championed various causes, including veterans' benefits and women's rights. Caraway's election paved the way for future generations of women to enter the political arena and helped break down barriers to women's full participation in government and public life.
Read more about Hattie Ophelia WYATT
1942 - Internment camps established for west coast Japanese-Americans
In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II, the U.S. government established internment camps for Japanese-Americans. These camps were a response to widespread fear and prejudice against Japanese-Americans, particularly those living on the West Coast, who were seen as potential security threats. The internment camps, such as the one established in Arkansas, were places where Japanese-Americans were forced to live under harsh conditions, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by armed soldiers.
The internment of Japanese-Americans is now widely regarded as a grave injustice and a violation of civil liberties. Many of those interned were American citizens, and they lost their homes, businesses, and personal belongings as a result of being forcibly relocated. The internment camps remained in operation until the end of the war in 1945, and it was not until decades later that the U.S. government formally apologized for...
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The internment of Japanese-Americans is now widely regarded as a grave injustice and a violation of civil liberties. Many of those interned were American citizens, and they lost their homes, businesses, and personal belongings as a result of being forcibly relocated. The internment camps remained in operation until the end of the war in 1945, and it was not until decades later that the U.S. government formally apologized for...
1952 - March 21 - Severe thunderstorms spawned thirty-one tornadoes across Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky.
The tornadoes killed 343 persons and caused 15 million dollars damage. Arkansas and Tennessee each reported thirteen tornadoes. The towns of Judsonia AR and Henderson TN were nearly wiped off the map in what proved to be the worst tornado outbreak of record for Arkansas. A tornado, one and a half miles wide at times, left a church the only undamaged building at Judsonia.
1983 - Arkansas becomes the first state to require teachers to pass a basic skills test.
In 1983, Arkansas made a significant stride in education reform by becoming the first state to mandate that all teachers must pass a basic skills test. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the state's educational history, signaling a commitment to ensuring that educators were adequately prepared and qualified to teach students. The move was part of a broader national trend towards establishing higher standards for teacher certification, aiming to improve the quality of education provided to students across the country.
The implementation of the basic skills test in Arkansas was met with both support and criticism. Proponents argued that it was a necessary step to elevate the teaching profession and improve student outcomes, while critics expressed concerns about the potential for the test to disproportionately impact minority and low-income teachers. Despite these debates, Arkansas's decision to require teachers to pass a basic skills test set a precedent for other states to...
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The implementation of the basic skills test in Arkansas was met with both support and criticism. Proponents argued that it was a necessary step to elevate the teaching profession and improve student outcomes, while critics expressed concerns about the potential for the test to disproportionately impact minority and low-income teachers. Despite these debates, Arkansas's decision to require teachers to pass a basic skills test set a precedent for other states to...
Arkansas has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Natural State:
1. Hot Springs National Park: Start your Arkansas adventure in Hot Springs, known for its soothing hot springs. Visit Bathhouse Row, where you can take a traditional bath in historic bathhouses. Explore the hiking trails and enjoy the scenic beauty of this national park.
2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Located in Bentonville, this world-class museum features an impressive collection of American art, including works by renowned artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Norman Rockwell. The museum itself is a work of art, designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
3. Buffalo National River: Arkansas's only national river offers incredible opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. The rugged Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop as you enjoy the pristine waters of the Buffalo River.
4. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: Learn about the Civil Rights Movement by visiting this historic high school in Little Rock. You can take guided tours to...
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2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Located in Bentonville, this world-class museum features an impressive collection of American art, including works by renowned artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Norman Rockwell. The museum itself is a work of art, designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
3. Buffalo National River: Arkansas's only national river offers incredible opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. The rugged Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop as you enjoy the pristine waters of the Buffalo River.
4. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: Learn about the Civil Rights Movement by visiting this historic high school in Little Rock. You can take guided tours to...
GENEALOGY IN ARKANSAS
Discover YOUR Roots: Arkansas Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Arkansas through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Arkansas, USA
We currently have information about 77 ancestors who were born or died in Arkansas.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Arkansas, USA
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Updated: 1/27/2025 5:45:44 PM
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