calsfoundation@cals.org
July 4, 1846
Two groups of Mexican War volunteers from Arkansas rendezvoused at Washington (Hempstead County) and elected regimental officers. Archibald Yell, the state’s only sitting U.S. congressman, was elected colonel. John Selden Roane, a former speaker of the House in the state legislature, was elected lieutenant colonel. Solon Borland, a prominent physician, was elected major.