calsfoundation@cals.org
July 21, 2011
Andrew Byrne, Arkansass first Catholic bishop, died on June 10, 1862, at St. Catherines Convent in Helena (Phillips County). In eighteen years as bishop, Byrne established schools in Fort Smith (Sebastian County), Little Rock (Pulaski County), and Helena; worked to bring immigrants to the state; and oversaw the establishment of at least seven new churches.