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Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas
This Day in Arkansas History
February 7, 1991
Governor Bill Clinton signed into law the Arkansas General Assembly’s designation of the square dance as the official American folk dance of Arkansas. Act 93 resembled measures introduced across the nation by promoters of club square dancing after an attempt to have the dance awarded national symbol status failed in 1988. The bill posited a long history of “called” or “cued” dancing in North America and Arkansas, as well as the association of square dancing with family recreation. It defined square dancing as incorporating virtually all called or cued dances—including clogging, contra, and line dancing—and asserted that official designation would “enhance the cultural stature of Arkansas both nationally and internationally.”
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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.
Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics and more!
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