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This Day in Arkansas History

January 21, 1883

A fire swept through Washington (Hempstead County), destroying a number of businesses. The Cairo and Fulton railroad line had become the new economic artery, and rather than rebuilding in Washington, most businesses moved to Hope (Hempstead County), thus precipitating the decline of Washington. In the late 1870s, Hope began to promote the idea that the county seat should be relocated from Washington to Hope. For sixty years, and through several elections, Hope tried to gain the county seat. Unethical behavior abounded on both sides, consisting of lies, cheating, mud-slinging, and election fraud. Finally, the Arkansas Supreme Court intervened and, in a ruling in May 1939, declared Hope as the county seat of Hempstead County.

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Sam Houston

After the marriage of Sam Houston, Tennessee governor, to eighteen-year-old Eliza Allen fell apart under mysterious circumstances, he resigned his office on April 16, 1829, and shortly afterward left for “the wigwam of his adopted father, the chief of the Cherokees, in Arkansas.” Houston lived among his adopted Cherokee and called the Arkansas Territory his home from May 1829 to November 1832. After leaving Arkansas, he went on to greater fame as the president of the Republic of Texas, as well as U.S. senator, and governor of the state of Texas.

 

After the marriage of Sam Houston, Tennessee governor, to eighteen-year-old Eliza Allen fell apart under mysterious circumstances, he resigned his office on April 16, 1829, and shortly afterward left for “the wigwam of his adopted father, the chief of the Cherokees, in Arkansas.” Houston lived among his adopted Cherokee and called the Arkansas Territory his home from May 1829 to November 1832. After leaving Arkansas, he went on to greater fame as the president of the Republic of Texas, as well as U.S. senator, and governor of the state of Texas.

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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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