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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
Rice Harvesting

Since the introduction of rice in the late nineteenth century, the state has been a leader in rice cultivation. Arkansas has consistently led the nation in production since the 1970s, with approximately 1.5 million acres (fifty percent of the national acreage) under cultivation today. Rice production, as shown in this 1920s photo taken near Weiner (Poinsett County), has been a major agricultural activity in that area for many years. Each year, the town celebrates the crop with a festival held in October.

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This Day in Arkansas History
October 15, 1969

Governor Winthrop Rockefeller proclaimed this date, on which Poetry Day is observed, to be Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni Day. Rosa Marinoni had been designated poet laureate of Arkansas in 1953 by act of the General Assembly, and she held that title until her death in 1970. She was a native of Italy who lived in Fayetteville (Washington County) and was married to a university professor. She was a prolific writer and an enthusiastic promoter of the state of Arkansas.

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