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This Day in Arkansas History

October 3, 1963

President Jonn F. Kennedy dedicated Greers Ferry Dam and Reservoir on the Red River near Heber Springs (Cleburne County). The master of ceremonies for the dedication was Representative Willbur D. Mills. Construction on the dam began in 1959, bringing employment and economic growth to the area. The dam was completed in 1962 at a cost of about $46.5 million.

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Edward Cross

Tennessee native Edward Cross embarked upon a distinguished career after moving to Arkansas in 1826. He served as a judge of the Superior Court of Arkansas (1832–1836), surveyor general of public lands (1836–1838), member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1839–1845), associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court (1845–1846), and state attorney general (1874). He was president of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad (1855–1862), the first railroad to connect Arkansas with Missouri and the eastern United States.

 

Tennessee native Edward Cross embarked upon a distinguished career after moving to Arkansas in 1826. He served as a judge of the Superior Court of Arkansas (1832–1836), surveyor general of public lands (1836–1838), member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1839–1845), associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court (1845–1846), and state attorney general (1874). He was president of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad (1855–1862), the first railroad to connect Arkansas with Missouri and the eastern United States.

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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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