1. On July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation had a significant impact on Arkansas, which had a history of racial tension and segregation.

2. July 2, 1863 marked the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. While this battle did not take place in Arkansas, many soldiers from the state fought in it, including those from the Confederate 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment.

3. On July 2, 1904, the first electric streetcar line was inaugurated in Little Rock, Arkansas. This paved the way for efficient local transportation and played a significant role in the city's growth and development.

4. The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville officially opened its doors on July 2, 1996. The college has since become a hub for education and workforce development in the region, serving thousands of students each year.

5. In 1937, Amelia Earhart made a stop in Little Rock during her attempt to fly around the world. She was warmly received by the city and spoke to a crowd of over 1,000 people at the airport. This event highlighted the growing interest in aviation and the "Golden Age of Flight" in Arkansas and the rest of the United States.