1. The first documented white settlement in Arkansas was established on the Arkansas River on August 6, 1686, by French explorer Henri de Tonti. Tonti had previously explored the region with René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and was instrumental in establishing French dominance in the area.
2. On August 6, 1927, the Arkansas River flooded, causing widespread devastation across the state. The flood, which lasted for several weeks, forced thousands of residents from their homes and caused millions of dollars in damage. It remains one of the most significant natural disasters in Arkansas history.
3. The first Arkansas State Fair was held on August 6, 1938, in Little Rock. The fair has since become an annual tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state each year to celebrate Arkansas's agriculture, industry, and culture.
4. On August 6, 1962, the first African American student, Silas Hunt, was admitted to the University of Arkansas School of Law. Hunt's admission was a landmark achievement in the state's struggle for civil rights and paved the way for future generations of students of color to attend the state's universities.
5. On August 6, 2006, the World Championship Cardboard Boat Races were held in Heber Springs. The event, which began in 1987 as a quirky local festival, has since grown into a major attraction, drawing participants and spectators from around the world. The races feature boats made entirely out of cardboard, duct tape, and other non-metallic materials, and are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people of Arkansas.