Today In History
5 Fun Facts About August 22 In Arkansas History
1. In 1950, the town of Lockesburg was hit by a tornado that caused significant damage and fatalities. The storm was part of a larger outbreak that affected several states across the Southeast. 2. On August 22, 1987, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton announced his candidacy for President of the United...
5 Fun Facts About August 20 In Arkansas History
1. On August 20, 1934, the notorious criminal and bank robber George "Machine Gun" Kelly was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, ending a nationwide manhunt. Kelly and his wife had been hiding out in Hot Springs, Arkansas, before fleeing to Memphis. 2. In 1962, the University of Arkansas Medical Center in...
5 Fun Facts About August 18 In Arkansas History
1. On August 18, 1936, the Arkansas State Capitol building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by architect George Mann and completed in 1915, the Capitol serves as the seat of government for the state. 2. The Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team played their first...
5 Fun Facts About August 16 In Arkansas History
1. In 1957, nine African American students – known as the “Little Rock Nine” – attempted to enter Little Rock Central High School but were met with violent opposition from white protesters. This event became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights in America. 2. On August 16, 1838,...
5 Fun Facts About August 13 In Arkansas History
1. In 1962, Governor Orval Faubus used the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School. This action resulted in a constitutional crisis and led to the involvement of the federal government in protecting the rights of African American students. 2. On August 13, 1888,...
5 Fun Facts About August 11 In Arkansas History
1. In 1812, the first territorial legislature of Arkansas was convened in Arkansas Post, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Arkansas. 2. In 1926, the Missouri-Pacific Railroad opened the Arkansas River Bridge, connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock. The bridge was the first major toll-free bridge to cross the...
5 Fun Facts About August 9 In Arkansas History
1. In 1883, the first excavation began for the Arkansas River Navigation System, which connects the Arkansas River to the Mississippi River for trade and transportation purposes. 2. On August 9, 1934, the infamous bank robber George "Machine Gun" Kelly was arrested by the FBI in Memphis, Tennessee after a...
5 Fun Facts About August 7 In Arkansas History
1. On August 7, 1861, Confederate General Ben McCulloch led his troops to seize the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock, Arkansas, sparking the beginning of the Civil War in Arkansas. 2. On August 7, 1911, President William Howard Taft visited Hot Springs National Park to dedicate the Arlington Hotel, which...
5 Fun Facts About July 31 In Arkansas History
1. In 1903, the Arkansas State Fair Association was incorporated. The Arkansas State Fair is still held annually in Little Rock and is one of the state's largest events. 2. On July 31, 1952, President Harry Truman signed the McCarran-Walter Act, which allowed for the deportation of immigrants suspected of...
5 Fun Facts About July 28 In Arkansas History
1. On July 28, 1924, the Arkansas State Capitol building was officially dedicated. The building's construction began in 1899 and took over 25 years to complete. 2. In 1885, a devastating tornado swept through the town of Dardanelle on July 28, causing extensive damage and killing several residents. 3. July...
5 Fun Facts About July 21 In Arkansas History
1. In 1834, the Arkansas Cherokee signed a treaty with the U.S. government setting terms for their removal to Indian Territory. This treaty would result in the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral land, later known as the Trail of Tears. 2. On July 21, 1861,...
5 Fun Facts About July 20 In Arkansas History
1. On July 20, 1864, Union forces led by General Samuel R. Curtis captured the city of Fayetteville during the Civil War. This victory was an important turning point in the Union's campaign to control northwestern Arkansas and secure the state for the Union. 2. The town of El Dorado...