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This Day in Arkansas History

January 9, 1934

Writer Alice French died in Davenport, Iowa. Using the pseudonym Octave Thanet, she was a leading writer of local color stories. Some of her best work is based on the years she spent at her winter home in Clover Bend (Lawrence County) in the Black River swamp country. French also published stories and essays in such national periodicals as the Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, Scribner’s Magazine, and Century Magazine.

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Robert E. Lee

When Lee County was created by the Arkansas state legislature in 1873, the state was approaching the end of official Reconstruction and the reemergence of the power of the Democratic Party. Many believe that when African-American political leader William Furbush proposed naming the new county in honor of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, it was an attempt to show his allegiance to the area Democrats.

 

When Lee County was created by the Arkansas state legislature in 1873, the state was approaching the end of official Reconstruction and the reemergence of the power of the Democratic Party. Many believe that when African-American political leader William Furbush proposed naming the new county in honor of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, it was an attempt to show his allegiance to the area Democrats.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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