Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

April 9, 1891

Henry Jackson Lewis, who is considered the first black political cartoonist, died in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lewis was born into slavery in Mississippi in 1837 or 1838. He worked as a laborer in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) in the 1870s, where his talents in drawing became recognized; by 1879, he was selling drawings to Harper’s Weekly. After moving to Little Rock (Pulaski County), where he worked as a janitor for the Arkansas Gazette, he went to Indianapolis. His works were published in the Freeman as well as in national publications. His obituaries referred to him as a genius.

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Benjamin Franklin

Of the seventy-five counties in Arkansas, several have been named in honor of patriots of the American Revolution. On December 19, 1837, the young state legislature named the newest county then to be created in honor of author, inventor, and patriot Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.

 

Of the seventy-five counties in Arkansas, several have been named in honor of patriots of the American Revolution. On December 19, 1837, the young state legislature named the newest county then to be created in honor of author, inventor, and patriot Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.

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"Great seal of the state of Arkansas" with eagle holding shield and "Regnat Popluas" ribbon in beak with angel mercy on one side and sword of justice on other Arkansas Overview Allie Carl Kolb Practitioners White man in suit speaking at a lectern with mixed group of men and women behind him LGBTQ+ Movement Political Movements, Sexual Orientation Young white protesters with signs being interviewed by local news Abortion Women Abandoned large two-story house with brick chimney behind fence Captain Isaac N. Deadrick House Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Wooden electric chair with leather straps on display Capital Punishment Law Enforcement bridge over body of water Delta Heritage Trail State Park State Parks Front view of single-story brick train depot building labeled "Siloam Springs Museum" Siloam Springs Museum Museums and Historic Sites Storefronts and cars on town street with power lines Norfork Baxter Tall headstone in grass arched text "Moore" above smaller faded text Charles Beatty Moore Lawyers Framed certificate text "Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame" upright in grass to left of small American flag behind headstone inscription "Samuel Johnson Medal of Honor second lieutenant company G nine PA Res Civil War 1845 1915" Samuel Johnson Individuals White man on cotton harvester machine in cotton field Marlsgate and the Dortch Plantation Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites Two-story log cabin with brick chimney with white family out front Jacob Wolf House Buildings, Museums and Historic Sites White man in suit and tie in front of American flag French Hill Business Leaders, Legislative Branch -- Representatives Promotional photograph of white man woman and 19 young and teen children standing together with white text Duggar Family Religious Figures, Television and Streaming Three-story pale yellow house with green trim ornate porch and balcony above porch Clayton House 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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New to Arkansas?

Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics and more!

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