Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Everything from Book cover featuring falling person reaching for guitar Fall Through to Meteorite on display including didactic text in library with bookshelves in background. Meteorites

This Day in Arkansas History

October 1, 1880

A supposed fossilized baby, which was later revealed to be a carved stone statue, was dug up in Eureka Springs (Carroll County) by a cohort of Henry Johnson. Johnson was a Scottsville (Pope County) merchant who closely modeled his deception on the nationally famous Cardiff Giant. The 1880 discovery was not revealed as a hoax until 1948. The find was exhibited locally and then around the state, generating money for its creators. Within a year, the carving—known variously as the “Eureka Baby,” the “Petrified Indian Baby,” or as a Hindu idol—had been exhibited in St. Louis, Missouri; Galveston, Texas; and New Orleans, Louisiana. It was also reportedly en route to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC at the time of its disappearance.

Browse the Encyclopedia

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.

New to Arkansas?
New to Arkansas?

Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics, and more!

See Overview