Arkansas history By Sebastian Fain Jan 1, 1754 The French Revolution Feb 4, 1789 George Washington becomes the first president Feb 23, 1793 Henry Rowe Schoolcraft explores Arkansas Jan 1, 1800 Napoleon forces Spain to sign the secret treaty. Feb 17, 1801 Thomas Jefferson becomes the third president Feb 23, 1803 Lewis and clark explore the northern Louisiana purchase Jan 1, 1804 Thomas jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory from france Jan 1, 1804 Dunbar and Hunter explore the Ouachita River and Hot Springs Jan 1, 1806 Freeman and Custis explore the Red River Dec 16, 1811 New Madrid earthquakes Feb 23, 1812 War of 1812 Feb 23, 1817 Fort Smith is established Feb 23, 1818 Thomas Nuttall explores Arkansas Mar 3, 1820 Congress approves the Missouri compromise Feb 23, 1824 Quapaw Treaty Jun 15, 1836 The Territory of Arkansas is established