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Caddo Nation Chemistry: Art, Commerce, Pottery, And Tools, Joe Jeffers

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The Caddo Nation grew out of the Mississippian culture, the mound builders found throughout what is now the American Southeast and into the Midwest. By 2000 BC, the Caddo or their progenitors had moved up the Mississippi River tributaries as moisture drew them westward. They stopped short of the Great Plains and remained in forested areas. They were primarily hunter-gatherers until 500 BC when Mesoamerican horticultural practices allowed them to establish permanent villages. They raised corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, watermelons, sunflowers, and tobacco. They gathered nuts, berries, roots, and seeds. They continued to fish and hunt deer, bear buffalo, and …

Henry Ivens Stone, Local Inventor, Lisa K. Speer

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Henry Ivens Stone was born October 30, 1866, in Clark County, Arkansas to William Clark "W.C." and Mary Ann (Smith) Stone. Stone's mother, Mary Ann, was the daughter of Dr. Willis and Margaret Janes Smith. Stone married Sara L. "Sallie" Turbeville on May 14, 1887, in Nevada County. Henry and Sallie lived in Whelen Springs, and were the parents of three children--Willie Mae, Warner "Cap," and Henry Jr., who died before his first birthday. Henry Ivens Stone died from pneumonia on November 20, 1900. Frederick Vallowe, the great grandson of Stone, donated the original patent, transcribed below, to the Archives …

French Place Names In Clark County, Arkansas, Joe Jeffers

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French place names are common in Arkansas, especially in south Arkansas, where after the French explorers left, French trappers and settlers from Canada moved in. Some of those names remain unchanged from the original French. General usage and English speaking settlers modified others. Clark County was one of five counties established in the Arkansas Territory. Its boundaries changed five times before reaching its present form in 1877. This article explores French place names in today’s Clark County and in the original Clark County formed in 1818.

A Geological History Of Clark County, Arkansas, Joe Jeffers

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The geological history of Clark County is described ranging from 500 million years ago to the present. One-third of present-day Clark County is in the Ouachita Mountains, two-thirds is in the Coastal Plain. The formation of the Ouachita Mountains is described, as is the cretaceous formations that led to biological fossils. Historic mining of minerals is also discussed. For the more technically inclined, a detailed description of the geological formations of the county is included near the end.

First Airplane Lands In Arkadelphia One Century Ago, Wendy Richter

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Many technological advancements occurred in the United States during the early twentieth century, bringing about change in many phases of life, including transportation. One new type of travel drew a lot of attention in Clark County on Saturday, May 25, 1918, when an airplane landed for the first time at Arkadelphia.

Flanagin Serves On Military Board, Wendy Richter

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At a critical point in the Civil War in Arkansas, major troop movements occurred in Arkansas after the United States army occupied Arkansas's capital city on September 10, 1863. Union General Frederick Steele led the U.S. Army into Little Rock, and the Confederates withdrew to the southwest.

Automobiles Take Over Roadways A Century Ago, Wendy Richter

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In the early twentieth century, a transportation revolution was underway: automobiles were becoming commonplace on the roads. In 1903, a Hot Springs man drove to Arkadelphia "on his automobile," and by 1910, about twenty-five Arkadelphians owned cars.

Banking Establishments Popular In Clark County, Wendy Richter

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Clark County is home to a number of banking institutions today. Some of these businesses have many branches across the state and the region, all connected with modern methods of communication. The banking business was much different in the early twentith century when a brand new facility was constructed in downtown Arkadelphia.

Richardson's Paintings Depict Landscapes, Wendy Richter

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At this time of year in Arkansas, flowers, shrubs, and trees come to life showing new colorful leaves and blooms for the enjoyment of all. The nautral beauty of Clark County in the springtime brings to mind the work of an Arkadelphia artist who produced many paintings depicting the area's natural environment. Charles Richardson's well-known and very recognizable landscapes featuring river scenes and beech trees are prized possessions for many today. His work continues to be highly sought-after today.

Bozeman House One Of County's Oldest Structures, Wendy Richter

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One of Clark County's oldest stuctures stands a few miles west of Arkadelphia alongside Highways 26 and 51. The historic Bozeman House endures as a reminder of a bygone era. The frame, Greek-Revival home was built in the mid-nineteenth century for early settler Michael Bozeman.

Daylight Saving Time Introduced A Century Ago, Wendy Richter

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Last weekend marked the annual change from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time. One hundred years ago Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper reported on the then-new concept, implemented in the United States during World War I to give people more time to spend in their gardens after their workday was over.

Habicht-Cohn-Crow House One Of The Oldest In Town, Wendy Bradley Richter

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One of Arkadelphia’s oldest homes sits at the corner of Eighth and Pine streets. Known as the Habicht-Cohn-Crow House, the building was constructed in 1870 for Captain Anthony E. Habicht, who came to the South during Reconstruction. Local legend says that Habicht patterned the house after one he had seen in Natchez, Mississippi, and its design was heavily influenced by the Greek Revival style.

Barkman Considered "The Father Of Clark County, Wendy Richter

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At this time of year, excitement abounds at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs as thoroughbred horses race around the track there. Since beginning operations more than a century ago, Oaklawn remains one of Arkansas's most popular touist desinations. However, many may not know that Clark County had a race track of its own which pre-dated Oaklawn by almost 100 years!

Ashby's Building Used By Freedmen's Bureau, Wendy Richter

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The years following the Civil War were tumultuous times in the South as people began to adjust to a new way of life. To assist in that effort, the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands--commonly called the Freedmen's Bureau--began work in Arkansas in June of 1865. In the state, the federal agency helped a population of approximately 110,000 African Americans.

History Of Library Cannon, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Today, relatively few Arkadelphians know the history behind the cannon that sits on the lawn of the Clark County Library on Caddo Street.

Manufactured by the Confederate Army at the foundry/arsenal here in Arkadelphia in the early 1860s, it never fired a shot at an opposing army. Interestingly, the weapon also served as a hitching post after the war, before being place on the library grounds.

Cates Remembered As Early Pioneer, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Few people were privileged to witness the spread of settlement into the virtually untouched wilderness of Arkansas following the arrival of European explorers. Even by the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, only two places in what is now Arkansas could truly be called settlements, and both were near the Mississippi River.

1918: Bone-Chilling Temperatures Freeze River, Wendy Bradley Richter

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With recent frigid temperatures in the area, it is difficult to imagine that the harsh cold weather does not come close to that which visited Arkadelphia 100 years ago.

Flanagin Law Office Constructed Prior To Civil War, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Today, many visitors to the downtown Arkadelphia vicinity may not realize the historical significance of one of the buildings across the street from the Clark County Court House.

The structure known to some as the "Flanagin Law Office" was constructed prior to the Civil War and served as an office for a number of different attorneys, including Arkansas Governor Harris Flanagin of Arkadelphia. Flanagin became governor in 1862 and held the office during some of the most tumultuous year in American history.

The Early Arkadelphia Post Office, Wendy Bradley Richter

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At this time of year, many people begin to make preparations to send or receive packages by mail during the holiday season.

Today, practically all homes and businesses receive some sort of communication each day the United State Postal Service operates. But, many don't stop to think about the improvements that have take place in that service through the years.

Crow Becomes First To Work In Arkadelphia Real Estate, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Through the years, many Clark Countians have enjoyed distinguished careers and have made significant contributions to the development of the area.

One such individual was businessman Austin M. Crow. While no one today has a living memory of Mr. Crow, his wide-ranging activities place him among the early leaders of the Arkadelphia community.

Wwi Impact Felt Locally, Wendy Bradley Richter

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During the next year or so, much attention will be given to the centennial of World War I, which officially ended November 11, 1918, with the date becoming known as Armistice Day.

The conflict had a great impact on our nation as the first modern, global war. Approximately 65 million were mobilized, including over 70,000 soldiers from Arkansas. Many Clark Countians participated. In November of 1918, just after the war was over, Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper reported these numbers: "Clark County has furnished 1064 men, divided among the several departments as follows: National Guard 71; Regular Army, 22; Enlisted Reserve, …

Steps Taken To Reduce Flooding, Wendy Richter

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Development of drainage districts in the early twentieth century benefitted Arkansas's economy, but their construction could often be controversial. Without proper drainage, low-lying land was useless for farming: once cleared and drained, rich soil could be very productive. In Arkansas, the history of districts in the northeastern part of the state has been explored, but little attention has been given to south Arkansas.

Small Change, Big Consequences — Partial Medicaid Expansions Under The Aca, Adrianna Mcintyre, Allan M. Joseph, Nicholas Bagley

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Though congressional efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) seem to have stalled, the Trump administration retains broad executive authority to reshape the health care landscape. Perhaps the most consequential choices that the administration will make pertain to Medicaid, which today covers more than 1 in 5 Americans. Much has been made of proposals to introduce work requirements or cost sharing to the program. But another decision of arguably greater long-term significance has been overlooked: whether to allow “partial expansions” pursuant to a state Medicaid waiver. Arkansas has already submitted a waiver request for a partial expansion, …

History Of Okolona And Its Schools, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The town of Okolona in southwestern Clark County was first settled by Americans in the early 1830s when settlers began arriving by covered wagons from Okolona, Mississippi. These first residents built their homes on low ground northwest of where the railroad depot later stood. After a few years of mud there, however, the small settlement moved to the town's current location on higher ground where the town continued to grow.

Club 67 Was A Popular Place In Arkadelphia During Wwii, Wendy Bradley Richter

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December 7 marked the 75th anniversary of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and the United States' entrance into World War II. Several years ago, the Clark County Historical Association published "We Were There: Clark Countians in World War II," to "honor those who served, both on the home front and in uniform." Indeed the book commemorates the efforts and sacrifices of local citizens, highlighting the fact that during the war men and women from Clark County participated in all types of activities in places all around the world. Many veterans contributed to the book's preparation, and numerous people were interviewed. …

Living History Ii, Wendy Bradley Richter

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On Sunday, October 30, the Clark County Historical Association will present a living history program featuring some of Clark County's earliest citizens. Among the characters making appearances will be "Jacob Barkman," "Rebecca Barkman," and "George W. Featherstonhaugh." The public is invited to meet these and other historical figures by attending the free performances to be held at the historic Rosedale Plantation Barn at 879 Old Military Road beginning at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., October 30. The site is not far from the Barkman's original home along the Caddo River. Plus, the Rosedale Barn itself is significant; it was added …

Clark County Historical Association To Highlight County's Earliest And Distinctive Citizens, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Later this month, the Clark County Historical Association will present a living history program featuring some of Clark County's earliest and most distinctive citizens. Among the characters making appearances will be "Abner Hignight," portrayed by Meeks Etchieson; "Jacob Barkman," portrayed by Bob Thompson; "Rebecca Barkman," by Charlotte Jeffers; and "George W. Featherstonhaugh," by Steve Hennagin. The public is invited to meet these and other historical figures by attending the free living history event to be held at the historic Rosedale Plantation Barn on Old Military Road beginning at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30.

Rorie Led Dispatch Unit During Wwi, Wendy Bradley Richter

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In 1924, Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper included this headline: "Former Local Boy in Prominent Role in Six-Reel Movie." However, the young man described in the article remains largely unknown in the annals of Clark County history. With the nickname of "Speed," Clem Rorie commanded a unit of General John J. Pershing's dispatch riders in France during World War I. After returning home to the United States he became an "internationally famous motorcycle rider and professional daredevil."

County's Timber Industry Emerged In Late 1800s, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Throughout the history of the United States, wood has been one of the nation's most useful raw materials. For pioneers of the Clark County area, plenty of timber was available from forested areas and from the clearing of land. In the late 1800s, with growth and expansion of population and improvements in transportation, a great lumber and timber products industry emerged.

Clark Countian Gerig Had Distinguished Career, Wendy Richter

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Through the years many Clark Countians have enjoyed distinugished careers in public service. One such man was engineer William Gerig. Although not a native of this county, he came to call Arkadelphia "home."