Search Now
Browse Entries Browse Media

Welcome to the new CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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. It will also benefit people outside the state who are seeking information about Arkansas. 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. The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a work in progress. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

Photo Of The Day
Benjamin Johnson

Of the seventy-five counties of the state of Arkansas, several have been named in honor of important judicial figures. On November 16, 1833, the territorial legislature named the newest county then to be created in honor of Judge Benjamin Johnson, a judge of the Superior Court of the Arkansas Territory and later the first federal district judge for the state of Arkansas.

learn more
This Day in Arkansas History
June 26, 1842

The youngest of six children of a wealthy sugar, tobacco, and coffee trader, Loreta Janeta Velazquez was born in Havana, Cuba; she was educated in New Orleans, Louisiana. In late spring of 1861, Velazquez adorned herself with a Confederate uniform and fake facial hair, assigned herself the rank of lieutenant in the Confederate army, and adopted the name of Harry T. Buford. According to her own account, Velazquez embarked on a remarkable career, partially in Arkansas, as both a Confederate soldier and spy during the turbulent years of America’s Civil War.

learn more