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This Day in Arkansas History

August 5, 1914

The demise of the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad, which started with ambitious aims but never was financially successful, was hastened when a Missouri and North Arkansas motor car collided with a Kansas City Southern train south of Joplin, Missouri, killing forty-two people. The two railroads split the responsibility for compensating the families involved. The struggling railroad, which connected Kansas City, Missouri, with Helena (Phillips County), had many problems over the next decade, with a 1921–1922 strike significantly contributing to its demise.

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Francis Herron

On March 7, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Herron led the Ninth Iowa Volunteer Regiment into combat at the bloody Battle of Pea Ridge. As a result of his actions in the Union victory, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, one of four men so cited. His official citation stated that he “was foremost in leading his men, rallying them to repeated acts of daring, until himself disabled and taken prisoner.” Herron was later exchanged and promoted to brigadier general. He participated in other actions, including the Battle of Prairie Grove later the same year.

 

On March 7, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Herron led the Ninth Iowa Volunteer Regiment into combat at the bloody Battle of Pea Ridge. As a result of his actions in the Union victory, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, one of four men so cited. His official citation stated that he “was foremost in leading his men, rallying them to repeated acts of daring, until himself disabled and taken prisoner.” Herron was later exchanged and promoted to brigadier general. He participated in other actions, including the Battle of Prairie Grove later the same year.

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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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