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This Day in Arkansas History

July 18, 1868

Sharp County was founded. Named after Ephraim Sharp, a state legislator from the district, it has its county seat at Ash Flat. The area that would become Ash Flat was first settled by farmers in the 1820s, when Arkansas was still a territory. After the state was admitted to the Union in 1836, the Ash Flat area was located within Lawrence County. The community emerged as an important agricultural trading center, and, in 1856, the town of Ash Flat was founded when a U.S. post office was built. A group of local residents, led by postmaster James McCord, chose the name Ash Flat because of a nearby grove of ash trees.

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Capital Citizens' Council Graphic

One of the most vocal segregationist groups to form during the desegregation crises of the 1950s was the White Citizens’ Council. A related Pulaski County group called the Capital Citizens’ Council claimed membership of some 500 members at the peak of the desegregation crisis in Little Rock (Pulaski County). Shown here is a graphic used by the group making reference to the military forces at Central High School during the 1957–58 school year.

 

One of the most vocal segregationist groups to form during the desegregation crises of the 1950s was the White Citizens’ Council. A related Pulaski County group called the Capital Citizens’ Council claimed membership of some 500 members at the peak of the desegregation crisis in Little Rock (Pulaski County). Shown here is a graphic used by the group making reference to the military forces at Central High School during the 1957–58 school year.

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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, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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