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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
Mockingbird, Official State Bird

In 1929, the government of the state of Arkansas adopted House Concurrent Resolution Number 22 recognizing the mockingbird as the state bird of Arkansas. The non-migrating bird is one of the most recognized birds in the South. Arkansas is one of five Southern states to have designated it as the official state bird.

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This Day in Arkansas History
January 19, 1872

David Yancey Thomas was born on a farm in southwest Kentucky in Fulton County. Despite his Kentucky heritage, Thomas went on to become one of the most influential academic historians in the field of Arkansas history. He reestablished the Arkansas Historical Association, served as the first editor of the Arkansas Historical Quarterly, and was chair of the Department of History at the University of Arkansas for twenty-eight years.

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