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This Day in Arkansas History

April 3, 1961

Grace Elizabeth Ward, who was to become Miss Arkansas in 1981 and was chosen as Miss America in 1982, was born in Ozark (Franklin County). Ward changed her name to Elizabeth Ward Gracen after she went into acting because another Elizabeth Ward was already a member of the Screen Actors Guild. In 1992, she became the first former Miss America to appear nude on a Playboy magazine cover. Gracen has appeared in a number of films, television series, and made-for-television movies and has also done voice acting.

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Cotton Boll Weevil

In 1892, the beetle known as the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) entered the United States from Mexico through Texas. By the 1920s, the insect, described as the most destructive cotton pest in North America, had entered all of the nation’s cotton-producing regions, including Arkansas. In 1996, the year before Arkansas joined in a national eradication program, the pest had caused over $29 million in damage. Since joining the program, the infestation is under control in many areas of the state and near extinction in others.

 

In 1892, the beetle known as the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) entered the United States from Mexico through Texas. By the 1920s, the insect, described as the most destructive cotton pest in North America, had entered all of the nation’s cotton-producing regions, including Arkansas. In 1996, the year before Arkansas joined in a national eradication program, the pest had caused over $29 million in damage. Since joining the program, the infestation is under control in many areas of the state and near extinction in others.

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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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