The state is also home to some 300 native species of birds including bald eagles, blue jays, flycatchers and more. The Pine tree is Arkansas’s state tree. The design for the state flag of Arkansas was chosen by contest in 1913, and honors the state’s diamond mining history by portraying the state’s name in the center of a diamond. It is interesting to note here that Walmart employes a staggering 2.3 million associates around the world, out of which 1.5 million are employed in the U.S. Pulaski County (382,748) is the most populated county in Arkansas. 1836 - Arkansas becomes the 25th U.S. state. 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. Did you know that diamonds are also Arkansas’ state gem? Clay. Did you know that Little Rock (the state’s capital) derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called the “Little Rock”.[14]. The word “Arkansas” is pronounced with a silent “s” at the end. Did you know that from 1874 to 1967, every Arkansas governor was a member of the Democratic Party? Facts about Arkansas 3: the downfall. 12. This was done to promote tourism in the state.”. Tyson Foods, Inc., was one of the most important manufacturing firms in Arkansas. [9], 8. With these facts about Arkansas, let us learn more about its history, geography, people, economy and more. Meteorites (the oldest known objects on the planet) weighing a couple of pounds or more fall within Arkansas about every year or two. Little Rock became the capital in 1836. [8], 25. Request your free vacation guide to Eureka Springs. Arkansas History. There was also a road built between Little Rock and Memphis which also helped the city grow. Before Arkansas was a state, it became a separate territory in 1819. Arkansas - Arkansas - History: Arkansas’s earliest inhabitants included indigenous hunting-and-gathering peoples whose cultures flourished about 500 ce. In the early 20th century, ostrich racing was a popular sport at Cockburn’s Ostrich Farm in Hot Springs. The state tree was established in 1939 by the General Assembly. In June of 1836, Arkansas became a state. A major tributary of the Mississippi River, the Arkansas River generally flows to the east and southeast, through the states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.At 1,469 miles long, it is the sixth longest river in the United States and the second-longest tributary in the Mississippi-Missouri system. One of the distinctive features of these communities was their use of bluff shelters for seasonal or other short-term residence. The observatory began in 1971 and it was established by P. Clay Sherrod and his brother, Brian Sherrod. As of 1 January 2018, the population of Arkansas was estimated to be 3,004,279. About half of Arkansas is covered under forest. Lafayette County (545 sq mi) is the smallest county in Arkansas. Arkansas (nicknamed: “the Natural State”, “Land of Opportunity”) has 75 counties. Arkansas City Facts. Arkansas is the Natural State indeed. Fur trader Henri de Tonty, the Father of Arkansas, founded the first European Settlement on the Arkansas River. It was designated in 1985. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. [1], 13. The state changed its nickname from “Land of Opportunity” to “The Natural State” in 1995. See the full list of the 50 states and their borders here. The school previously allowed only white students to attend. Arkansas is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Louisiana to the south, Texas to the southwest, Oklahoma to the west, Missouri to the north, as well as Tennessee and Mississippi on the east. The honeybee has great attention to detail and works hard on crop pollination. The Little Rock Central High School and Quapaw Quarter are … This was the first time this was done (way before the concept of a national park existed). 40. The diamond mine is the only in the world that allows the public to keep what they find. [15], 5. By Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh Arkansas MC Mocktalk the northern mockingbird shows Barry the bald eagle around Arkansas, known as the Natural State. Tourists really liked it, so it stuck. Arkansas is actually a large producer of honey and in 2001, was ranked 8. [2], 2. Arkansas is also the only state in North America where you can find a diamond field. History. Arkansas is the 33rd most populous and the 29th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. In 1957, for the first time in the history of the state, nine African Americans were inducted into Little Rock Central High School. We have 5 guest suites each complete with private bathroom, seasonal fireplace, and whirlpool tub. Arkansas’s most important crop is rice. Geographically located north of Louisiana and flanked on the east by the Mississippi River’s west bank, the development of the state of Arkansas spanned three centuries. P. [1], 18. President Clinton was one of the most popular presidents in modern history and has since brought a lot of clout and development to his home state. If you are interested to know more about the history of Little Rock, you may come to the historic neighborhoods, historic districts and history museums. Arkansas is the only US State that produces diamonds. The state flag has 25 stars on it to symbolize Arkansas becoming the 25th state. The 25 white stars represent Arkansas being the 25. In some years, the company became one of the largest poultry and meat processing firm in the world. In 1973, Act 49 of the state General Assembly thought that the hardworking honeybee represented the people of Arkansas. In the past, the people relied their life on the plantation. The name Arkansas came from the Quapaw Indians, by way of early French explorers. Can you locate Arkansas on this printable map of America?Arkansas is home to plenty of natural areas, with a wide range of landscapes to explore. Annual Reports Arkansas Fact Sheets Bulletins County Geologic Reports Educational Workshop Series Geologic Field Books Guide Books Industrial Mineral Reports Information Circulars Miscellaneous Publications Open-File Reports Roadside Geology Series State Park Series USGS Grants Water Circulars Water Summaries It was covered by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico until about 50 million years ago. The state is the leading producer of rice and provides 46% of the country’s supply. [26] Arkansas – Quick facts and State symbols It is situated in the Arkansas River valley.[1]. Milk is the official state beverage. [1], 14. 1868 - Arkansas is readmitted to the Union. 22. [23], 7. Arkansas (/ ˈ ɑːr k ən s ɔː /) is a state in the south central United States, home to more than three million people as of 2018. Did you know that Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto was the first European to reach Arkansas in 1541? [1], 15. The Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw are the three native tribes that lived in the Arkansas region. [1], 10. Did you know that the first WalMart was opened in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas? The largest diamond ever discovered in North America was found in Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1924. It was designated in 1987. Miller County was formed in 1820 in the Arkansas Territory; it was named in honor General James Miller, Arkansas' first territorial governor and a general during the War of 1812.Miller County was formed although there was considerable uncertainty as to the location of the boundary between the county (and the United States) and the Mexican boundary (Mexico then included Texas). The Gulf Coastal Plain is an area of relatively gently sloping terrain extending across the southern portion of the United States from Texas to Georgia. We look forward to seeing you soon. alone. Its name is from the Osage language, of Siouan derivation; it denoted their related kin, the Quapaw people. Established near the mouth of the Arkansas River in 1686, Arkansas Post was the first permanent white settlement in the state.. 39. Arkansas - Location in the US Earliest Residents. Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase between the United States and France. History. 29. 1. The state attained statehood on June 15, 1836, becoming the 25th state to join the union. Each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast to start your day off on the right foot. Brutal Facts About Arkansas’ Elaine Massacre. The name Arkansas is derived from the word. County Population Facts. Rice production reportedly began in Arkansas in 1902 with one acre of rice grown in Lonoke County. Arkansas is known as The Natural State but has not always been referred to as that. The first Arkansas State Highway Commission was appointed in 1913.[11]. Mount Magazine at 2,753 feet is the highest point in the state. Read on to find out 10 of the most interesting facts about Arkansas history. Arkansas is home to the first piece of land protected by the … Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The state's diverse geography ranges from the mountainous regions of the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains, which make up the U.S. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. More Arkansas History Firsts & State Facts. Forty Acres And A Mule? Calhoun County (5,368) is the least populated county in Arkansas. If you’ll be traveling to the area for the first time, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide before you arrive. We invite you to come and visit Arkansas and check out the beauty for yourself. Early efforts to integrate freed slaves largely failed. [12], 28. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, the highest temperature ever recorded happened on Aug. 10, 1936, with a whopping 120 degrees in Ozark. Arkansas has a rich and unique culture unlike that of any other state in the southern region of the United States. However, it is also one of the most generous states. During the American Civil War, Arkansas was one of the Confederate states, however, it was the second state to be put back in to the U.S. in the Reconstruction.. Geography [26], 3. [7], 23. 1821 - Little Rock becomes the capital. The racial divides in the United States have a long and troubled history, beginning with slavery in the American colonies and continuing today, with police violence against African Americans and ensuing riots. The explorers met a group of Indians, known as the Ugakhpah, which means "people who live downstream.". Arkansas is the 25th state of the United States. Arkansas First Early Inhabitants Timeline. Here Arsenic and Old Lace we are set in the Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs. It lies in the southeastern region of the United States. Arkansas joined the Confederacy in 1861, but from 1863 the northern part of the state was occupied by Union troops. Fun Facts. 30. Rice production is a billion dollar industry in Arkansas. [6], 4. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas has experienced only one major earthquake (the New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812). Other nicknames in the past have included the Wonder State, Rackensack, the Bear State and the Toothpick State. At 40.23 carats, it was named “Uncle Sam.” More than 33,100 diamonds have been found by park visitors since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas state park in 1972. [1], 17. In years past, Arkansas was a large producer of apples. 1804 - Arkansas is part of the Louisiana Territory. No doubt, Arkansas is the largest producer of rice among the 50 states. However, some historical records suggest that rice was grown in some parts of Arkansas prior to the Civil War. Arkansas (AR): Map, Abbreviation, State, History and Facts Arkansas State. The beautiful Apple Blossom has pink and white petals with green leaves. Culture. The name Arkansas comes from an Indian word that means down-stream people. Arkansas got its name from French settlers in the region. 10,000 BC - The first indigenous people were of the Paleo-Indian culture who lived in caves or were Nomadic Hunters. Facts about Arkansas 4: the economy today. [1], 20. Symbolizing the becoming of Arkansas as the 25th state of the union, Arkansas state flag has 25 stars. Arkansas is a state located in the Southern region of the United States. All Rights Reserved. It shares its border with six states (Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.) [10], 26. facts about arkansas history 1836 - Arkansas becomes the 25th U.S. state. Cephas Washburn established Dwight Mission near Russellville as a school for Cherokee youth at … From how the state got its nickname to how Little Rock became the capital, it all dates back to the early 1800’s. [10], 27. Its total length is 1,450 miles. These ; Native Americans later were called the Quapaw, also called the Arkansaw. Arkansas Historical Quarterly is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, issued quarterly by the Arkansas Historical Association, that “covers economic, political, and cultural history of Arkansas from pre-history to contemporary issues.” (description from Ulrichsweb) Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase between the United States and France. The design of the Arkansas state flag was actually the result of a contest. Food products are the state's largest employing sector, with lumber and wood products a close second. Get our guide to the best of: Before Arkansas was a state, it became a separate territory in 1819. The name Arkansas is derived from the word acansaw which means downstream place. Get facts and photos about the 25th state. The Mockingbird is also the state bird of Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. The Presidential Clinton Library in Little Rock is a major tourist attraction. history.com. [4], 9. Arkansas-native Hattie Caraway was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate in November 1932. A farm in Lavaca has a silo painted into a giant Budweiser beer can. [9,22], 6. Let's delve into the history of Arkansas and learn how this great state got its name and other fascinating facts! Rice, soybeans, and wheat are some of the important crops from the region. The state also generates its own nuclear and hydroelectric power for the purpose. [1], 19. The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States. Read on to find out 10 of the most interesting facts about Arkansas history. Little Rock is Arkansas’s state capital. He served two terms as the governor of the state. 1861 - Arkansas secedes from the Union and becomes a member of the Confederate States of America. It is the oldest park maintained by the National Park Service. are: Little Rock (196,188) is in Pulaski County [1,13], 16. The state is known for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Bill Clinton was the governor of Arkansas before becoming the president of the U.S. 1819 - The Arkansas Territory is established by the U.S. Congress. 5. Despite the immense resources, Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the union. The honeybee is the Arkansas state insect. In Dover, Arkansas, there is an operational double-decker outhouse at the Booger Hollow Trading Post.. General Douglas MacArthur, soldier and statesman, was born in Little Rock in 1880. Before Arkansas was a state, Arkansas was home to only 400 residents and around 60 buildings. Come learn about the geography, symbols, history, and unique features of 'The Natural State' in this lesson! Arkansas is also a leader in the production of cotton, rice, and soybeans. Bring history and geography to life with Time4Learning’s interactive online social studies curriculum for grades 2-12.. Geographical Facts About Arkansas. It lies in the southeastern region of the United States. Arkansas is home to 4 species of the pine including the Shortleaf pine, Loblolly pine, Longleaf pine, and Slash pine. The Arkansas River is the longest stream to flow into the Mississippi-Missouri river system. The Arkansas state musical instrument is the fiddle. The town quickly grew and soon had the Arkansas Gazette, schools, and churches. Arkansas became the 25th state to enter the Union in 1836. We’ve got 2.5 million acres of national forest, fifty state parks, seven national scenic byways, and three state scenic byways. Except for Hawaii and Louisiana, Arkansas is the smallest state west of the Mississippi River. The state's diverse geography ranges from the mountainous regions of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, which make up the U.S. The Arkansas state bird is the Mockingbird and has been since 1929. Did you know that the website of Arkansas Space Observatory is one of the world’s most visited space resources today? Did you know that Arkansas was ranked number 8th on the list of the states with most underprivileged children? 21. The poultry industry is one of the largest private employers in the state. The state’s capital is Little Rock. 12. Interestingly, it is against state law to mispronounce the word “Arkansas” while in the state. The state flower was established back in 1901. Arkansas’s 10 largest cities (2010.) iStock 17. Arkansas imports a lot of coal from Wyoming and thus uses it for producing energy to meet the demand of its inhabitants. With the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865, the onslaught of the Reconstruction days, as they were called, commenced and many prominent changes occurred. The state attained statehood on June 15, 1836, becoming the 25th state to join the union. It has over 600,000 acres of lakes. 11. There are so many interesting facts about Arkansas around this period in history that it's worth a trip to some of the region's museums for a broader illustration of the most notable events. It is the 33rd most populous state in the United States. Arkansas is the 33rd most populous and the 29th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. In June of 1836, Arkansas became a state. Facts about Little Rock Arkansas 4: the history of Little Rock. Arkansas Fun Facts. The Apple Blossom is the Arkansas state flower. Interestingly, a 13-year-old girl from Missouri found a 2.93-carat diamond in Crater of Diamonds State Park. As the end of the Civil War drew near in 1865, many freed slaves left their plantations to join the Union army as it pushed through Georgia. Arkansas is officially known as The Natural State. Check American slavery facts here. After it returned to the union, the economic and social life was down in Arkansas because the people relied so much on the plantation and slavery. If you’ve ever wondered about Arkansas history, there are some pretty interesting facts about how the state of Arkansas came to be. In the 1980’s the state was given the nickname by the Arkansas Parks System. Flickr/Jimmy Emmerson DVM. The South Arkansas vine ripe pink tomato is the official state fruit and blossom. The land rose during periods of tectonic uplift, and water in the Gulf of Mexico retreated to near its present position. This event marked an important milestone in the nation’s civil rights movement. [5], 24. 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