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This Day in Arkansas History

March 16, 1865

The Sixth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry fought its last Civil War battle, which was at Bentonville, North Carolina. Although the Confederates won the battle, the Arkansas brigade of which the Sixth was a part had lost so many men that further consolidation was needed (the Sixth had already merged with the Seventh). As one of its prized units, the Sixth fought in all of the major battles of the Army of Tennessee. With the rest of the Arkansas Brigade, it helped form what many believe was the toughest military unit ever from Arkansas. Brigadier General William Hardee expressed this best in his report about General Patrick Cleburne’s division, saying, “When his division defended, no odds could break its line; when it attacked, no numbers resisted its onslaught.”

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Arkansas Centennial Coin

To help fund the Arkansas centennial celebration in 1936, the U.S. Congress approved the minting of two commemorative half-dollar coins. Shown here is the Arkansas Half Dollar, bearing a portrait of an Indian chief and a white figure of idealized Liberty on its obverse. The reverse, designed by Little Rock (Pulaski County) artist Edward Everett Burr, depicts a spread-winged eagle with a background of stars in the shape of a diamond. Eighty-five thousand of the Arkansas Half Dollar coins were minted between 1935 and 1939.

 

To help fund the Arkansas centennial celebration in 1936, the U.S. Congress approved the minting of two commemorative half-dollar coins. Shown here is the Arkansas Half Dollar, bearing a portrait of an Indian chief and a white figure of idealized Liberty on its obverse. The reverse, designed by Little Rock (Pulaski County) artist Edward Everett Burr, depicts a spread-winged eagle with a background of stars in the shape of a diamond. Eighty-five thousand of the Arkansas Half Dollar coins were minted between 1935 and 1939.

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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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