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This Day in Arkansas History

November 4, 1872

Tracks from St. Louis, Missouri, reached the Missouri–Arkansas state line and the Cairo, Arkansas and Texas Railroad (CA&T) track. Today’s Union Pacific Railroad line from the Missouri state line through Little Rock (Pulaski County) to Texarkana (Miller County) was constructed by the Cairo and Fulton Railroad (which became CA&T in 1872). Over a period of more than 100 years, the Cairo and Fulton merged first into the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern (StLIM&S), then into the Missouri Pacific, and finally into today’s Union Pacific. As the first railroad to connect Arkansas to Missouri and the eastern United States, the Cairo and Fulton opened up the state for development.

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Confederate State Capitol

Among the many restored buildings at Historic Washington State Park in Hempstead County is the former 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse. With the evacuation of Little Rock (Pulaski County) by Confederate forces in 1863, the building served as the Confederate state seat of government until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

 

Among the many restored buildings at Historic Washington State Park in Hempstead County is the former 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse. With the evacuation of Little Rock (Pulaski County) by Confederate forces in 1863, the building served as the Confederate state seat of government until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

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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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