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This Day in Arkansas History

June 22, 1830

Sam Houston, who had lived among the Cherokee in Arkansas Territory, wrote the first of a series of five letters to the Arkansas Gazette regarding the status of the removal of tribes. These letters, which attack the activities of Indian agents, constitute the first defense of Native American rights and exposure of government corruption by a well-known Westerner.

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John Casper Branner

John Branner was appointed state geologist in 1887. Under his direction, the state’s first post-Reconstruction geological survey was conducted. The report, which eventually spanned fourteen volumes, created some controversy with its exposure of fraudulent gold strikes in southwest Arkansas. Though many called for his dismissal, he did not leave the office until it was abolished in 1893. He left the state to become the president of present-day Stanford University.

 

John Branner was appointed state geologist in 1887. Under his direction, the state’s first post-Reconstruction geological survey was conducted. The report, which eventually spanned fourteen volumes, created some controversy with its exposure of fraudulent gold strikes in southwest Arkansas. Though many called for his dismissal, he did not leave the office until it was abolished in 1893. He left the state to become the president of present-day Stanford University.

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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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