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This Day in Arkansas History

December 20, 1904

The sixteenth governor of Arkansas, James Philip Eagle, died of heart failure in Little Rock (Pulaski County). As governor, Eagle faced a divided Democratic Party and a General Assembly bent on enacting a series of “Jim Crow” laws to segregate Arkansas society along racial lines. By the time Eagle left office, the dominance of the Democratic Party had been restored, but Arkansans were more racially divided than at any time since the days of slavery.

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James Harding

During his lifetime, several schools throughout the United States were named in honor of Church of Christ leader James Alexander Harding. Harding College, now Harding University, which opened at Morrilton (Conway County) in 1924, is the only Arkansas school to bear his name. The school, which moved to Searcy (White County) in 1934, is also the only school to be named in his honor after his death.

 

During his lifetime, several schools throughout the United States were named in honor of Church of Christ leader James Alexander Harding. Harding College, now Harding University, which opened at Morrilton (Conway County) in 1924, is the only Arkansas school to bear his name. The school, which moved to Searcy (White County) in 1934, is also the only school to be named in his honor after his death.

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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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