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This Day in Arkansas History

November 27, 2005

One of Arkansas’s larger tornado outbreaks hit the state. While Arkansas is not normally included on maps of the infamous Tornado Alley—which is usually considered to stretch from north Texas up through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska—the state has suffered many devastating tornado outbreaks. Most tornadoes hit in April, but fall and early-winter storms are not unusual. Between 1997 and 2007, tornadoes in Arkansas killed fifty-six people, injured 964, and caused $700 million in damage.

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Turkey Hunters

The wild turkey was once one of the most abundant fowl in the Arkansas woods, but the coming of the railroad in the late 1800s harmed the turkey population. Destruction of habitat was a major factor, but the railroad also exposed the birds for market hunting. The railroad exported thousands of the turkeys, making them a staple of the dinner table in many large cities. By the early 1900s, about the time these two Montgomery County hunters took these birds, the wild turkey had been driven to near extinction.

 

The wild turkey was once one of the most abundant fowl in the Arkansas woods, but the coming of the railroad in the late 1800s harmed the turkey population. Destruction of habitat was a major factor, but the railroad also exposed the birds for market hunting. The railroad exported thousands of the turkeys, making them a staple of the dinner table in many large cities. By the early 1900s, about the time these two Montgomery County hunters took these birds, the wild turkey had been driven to near extinction.

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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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