Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

January 18, 1895

James Paul Clarke was inaugurated Arkansas’s eighteenth governor. Described by Joseph Taylor Robinson as a man whose “physical courage was primitive, at times almost savage,” Clarke had a fierce temper and once pulled a pistol on W. R. Jones, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, who had opposed Clarke’s attempted regulation of the railroad corporations. He was an advocate of the silver monetization crusade associated with the William Jennings Bryan wing of the Democratic Party. He was also a defender of white supremacy as the key doctrine of his party.

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Baitfish Vat

The baitfish industry did not appear in Arkansas until the mid-1940s, following World War II. The industry quickly grew and today is a major economic force in Lonoke, Prairie, Monroe, and Greene counties, where most of the state’s baitfish are raised. As of 2006, there are over sixty baitfish farms producing over six million bait minnows a year and doing in excess of $20 million in business each year. Seen here is a baitfish farm operation located in Lonoke County.

 

The baitfish industry did not appear in Arkansas until the mid-1940s, following World War II. The industry quickly grew and today is a major economic force in Lonoke, Prairie, Monroe, and Greene counties, where most of the state’s baitfish are raised. As of 2006, there are over sixty baitfish farms producing over six million bait minnows a year and doing in excess of $20 million in business each year. Seen here is a baitfish farm operation located in Lonoke County.

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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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