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This Day in Arkansas History

May 17, 1888

Henry and Elizabeth Newman, who owned land that had been surveyed and platted by a local civic leader the year before, dedicated the streets of a town called Minersville in Independence County. The town, which was renamed Cushman when it was incorporated in 1906, was the center of a valuable manganese mining industry. Manganese is considered a critical material in the manufacture of steel and was especially in demand during World Wars I and II. At one time, ore worth more than a million dollars was shipped from Cushman. Because of a shortage of laborers during World War I, Italy, an ally of the United States, sent 900 soldiers to Cushman to mine the ore that was critical to the production of weapons.

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Judsonia Hat Shop

By the early part of the twentieth century, Judsonia was a commercial center for White County. In 1910, the town was home to 746 residents. Among the many businesses available to these citizens was the well-stocked millinery, or hat shop, as shown here.

 

By the early part of the twentieth century, Judsonia was a commercial center for White County. In 1910, the town was home to 746 residents. Among the many businesses available to these citizens was the well-stocked millinery, or hat shop, as shown here.

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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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