Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

August 23, 1863

After a lengthy expedition to return a detachment of twenty men to the remainder of their unit, Lieutenant Edgar Baker and his men were attacked by Confederates at Fayetteville (Washington County). The Confederate force consisted of 150 troops under the command of Captain William Brown. In the Skirmish at Fayetteville, Baker was captured, as were five troopers from the Second Kansas cavalry.

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Marshall Street Scene

Searcy County entered a mining boom in the early 1880s, resulting in the incorporation of the town of Marshall in 1884. Growth was encouraged when the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad opened a line in 1902, connecting the town to Seligman, Missouri. This 1917 photograph shows one of the early businesses that opened in the growing town. The gasoline pump in the foreground was somewhat unique to the mountain towns of Arkansas at the time.

 

Searcy County entered a mining boom in the early 1880s, resulting in the incorporation of the town of Marshall in 1884. Growth was encouraged when the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad opened a line in 1902, connecting the town to Seligman, Missouri. This 1917 photograph shows one of the early businesses that opened in the growing town. The gasoline pump in the foreground was somewhat unique to the mountain towns of Arkansas at the time.

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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, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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