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Welcome to the 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
Oaklawn Park

Oaklawn Park Thoroughbred Racetrack, located in Hot Springs (Garland County), officially opened on February 15, 1905, to an enthusiastic crowd of more than 3,000 race fans. The original venue reportedly cost more than $500,000. It was one of the first tracks in the United States to include innovations such steam heat and a glass-enclosed grandstand, shown here in about 1906.

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This Day in Arkansas History
July 28, 1967

Ben F. Butler died after several months of failing health. Butler had served as mayor of Osceola (Mississippi County) for nearly three decades and was a well-known figure in civic and political affairs at both the state and county levels. His tireless advocacy for economic expansion resulted in Osceola’s transformation from a small farm town into an industrialized small city.

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