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This Day in Arkansas History

November 16, 1907

Bass Reeves served his last day as deputy U.S. marshal in Fort Smith (Sebastian County). Born a slave in Crawford County, Reeves went on to become one of the first African-American lawmen west of the Mississippi River. As one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory, he achieved legendary status for the number of criminals he captured.

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Colored Industrial Institute

The Colored Industrial Institute of Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) was one of several African-American educational institutions established in Arkansas in the years following the Civil War. Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1889, the school was supported by the Roman Catholic diocese and by subscription from local families. Local businessman Wiley Jones was a strong supporter and served on the school’s board of directors. Shown here is the circa 1893 student body.

 

The Colored Industrial Institute of Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) was one of several African-American educational institutions established in Arkansas in the years following the Civil War. Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1889, the school was supported by the Roman Catholic diocese and by subscription from local families. Local businessman Wiley Jones was a strong supporter and served on the school’s board of directors. Shown here is the circa 1893 student body.

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African American man in scarf walking down sidewalk next to buildings with signs for rooms for rent West Ninth Street Pulaski White woman smiling with American flag in the background Kerrin Lou Krouse McCoy Business Leaders Multistory brick building with arched windows and clock tower Bradley County Courthouse and County Clerk’s Office Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Multistory brick building with classical facade front steps large lawn bare trees and sidewalks Boone County Courthouse Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites White man in black robes Jack Wilson Holt Jr. Judges Portrait of African American man wearing suit James W. Mason Chicot Leaders Blue and white multistory house with upper-floor balconies with sign on street corner Ferguson House Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites "Judge Lynch" newspaper clipping Jonesboro Lynching of 1881 Civil War to Gilded Age, Criminal Activities three story concrete building with lamp posts in front Baxter County Courthouse Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Three-story building with courtyard "Arkansas County Court House" Arkansas County Courthouse, Southern District Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Two-story building with trees and grounds Perry County Courthouse Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Flag pole in front of multistory building with covered porch and balcony Columbia County Courthouse Museums and Historic Sites Brick buildings parking lot and sign Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center Aquaculture Bronze statue of white man in military uniform with sword in front of brick building Helena Museum of Phillips County Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Multiple-story building with "Chicot County Court House" above the entrance and cars in the parking lot Chicot County Courthouse Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Multistory brick building "Calhoun County Court House" with tall clock tower and arched entrance Calhoun County Courthouse Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites

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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