Arkansas History

  • First European Explores
    Jun 16, 1541

    First European Explores

    Hernando de Soto of Spain was the first European to explore Arkansas.
  • Bought By The U.S.

    Bought By The U.S.

    The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France, which had retaken it from Spain as part of the Treaty of San Ildefonso.
  • Arkansas is Made a Territory

    Arkansas is Made a Territory

    Arkansas, which has been part of Missouri Territory since 1812, is detached and made a territory.
  • Arkansas Became a State

    Arkansas Became a State

    Arkansas became the 25th state
  • Battle of Pea Ridge

    Battle of Pea Ridge

    Battle of Pea Ridge in northwest Arkansas. A Confederate advance north is rebuffed.
  • Slavery is Abolished

    Slavery is Abolished

    A unionist convention abolishes slavery in Arkansas and adopts a new constitution for the state.
  • Brooks-Baxter War

    Brooks-Baxter War

    Month-long "Brooks-Baxter War" between rival claimants to the governorship ends when President Ulysses S Grant orders the forces of the former to disperse.
  • Diamonds Found

    Diamonds Found

    Diamonds found near Murfreesboro, which becomes the site of the only diamond mine in the United States.
  • One Fifth of Arkansas Floods

    One Fifth of Arkansas Floods

    The Mississippi River floods one-fifth of the state.
  • Multi Campus System Established

    Multi Campus System Established

    The University of Arkansas establishes a multi-campus system.