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This Day in Arkansas History

March 7, 1862

General Benjamin McCulloch was killed at the Battle of Pea Ridge. McCulloch served in the War for Texas Independence and the Mexican War as a United States marshal before becoming a brigadier general in the Confederate army. He led Arkansas troops at both the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River in the Civil War and the first major battle in the state.

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Marshall Strawberry Pickers

Strawberries were first commercially grown in Arkansas in White County in the early 1870s. The profitability of the fruit, combined with railroad shipping, led many communities in the Ozarks, such as Marshall (Searcy County), to grow strawberries. Shown here is a Marshall strawberry field being hand picked by a small group of workers in the mid-1960s.

 

Strawberries were first commercially grown in Arkansas in White County in the early 1870s. The profitability of the fruit, combined with railroad shipping, led many communities in the Ozarks, such as Marshall (Searcy County), to grow strawberries. Shown here is a Marshall strawberry field being hand picked by a small group of workers in the mid-1960s.

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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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New to Arkansas?

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

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