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This Day in Arkansas History

March 18, 1942

President Roosevelt created the War Relocation Authority (WRA) for the “relocation, maintenance, and supervision” of the Japanese-American population. The search for sites for America’s first Japanese-American “relocation center,” as they were euphemistically labeled by the WRA, was limited to federally owned lands suitable for housing from five to eight thousand people and located, as the War Department required, “a safe distance from strategic works.” The WRA selected ten sites, with the two Arkansas camps being the easternmost sites.

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William Kretsinger

The Action at Wallace’s Ferry was fought on July 26, 1864, as Union forces left Helena (Phillips County) on a reconnaissance mission to find Confederate cavalry raiders operating in Phillips County. The action resulted in a strategic draw. William O. Kretsinger, an officer in the Fifty-sixth U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, formerly the Third Arkansas Infantry (African Descent), was cited for gallantry for his actions in the fight.

 

The Action at Wallace’s Ferry was fought on July 26, 1864, as Union forces left Helena (Phillips County) on a reconnaissance mission to find Confederate cavalry raiders operating in Phillips County. The action resulted in a strategic draw. William O. Kretsinger, an officer in the Fifty-sixth U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, formerly the Third Arkansas Infantry (African Descent), was cited for gallantry for his actions in the fight.

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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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