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Known as "The Natural State", Arkansas is located in the southern United States. It became the 25th state to join the union in 1836. Arkansas is famous for the beautiful Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and hot springs. Major industries in the state include agriculture, food processing, steel production, and tourism. The state's economy relies heavily on poultry and cattle production as well as rice, soybeans, cotton, hay, and timber.

History of Arkansas

Humans have inhabited Arkansas for thousands of years dating back to the Paleo-Indians. Later Native American tribes such as the Quapaw, Caddo, and Osage lived in the area before European settlers arrived. The first European explorer in the region was Hernando de Soto in 1541. French explorers Marquette and Joliet claimed the territory for France in 1673. It became part of French Louisiana in the early 1700s. After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Arkansas became part of the Missouri Territory and then later the Arkansas Territory in 1819. On June 15, 1836 it became the 25th state admitted to the Union. Arkansas was a slave state, and joined the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Several battles took place in Arkansas during the war including the Battle of Pea Ridge. After the war came Reconstruction followed by the growth of an agricultural economy based on cotton and rice production. Racial violence and tensions remained high into the early 20th century. Key events in Arkansas's history include the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957 during the civil rights movement. Bill Clinton, Arkansas's governor from 1979 to 1981 and 1983 to 1992, became the 42nd President of the United States. He was born in Hope, Arkansas. To learn more about the history of Arkansas, visit the website of the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Arkansas Geography and Climate

Arkansas covers 53,179 square miles making it the 29th largest state by area. Located in the southern United States, it shares borders with Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The eastern border of Arkansas is largely defined by the Mississippi River. The diverse geography of the state includes the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the eastern lowlands. The northwest region of Arkansas contains the Ozark Mountains which features the Ozark National Forest. The Ouachita Mountains are located in central Arkansas home to both Ouachita National Forest and Hot Springs National Park which contains natural hot and cold mineral springs. Southern Arkansas near the Louisiana border is made up of pine forests, farmland, and bayous. Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The weather is affected by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. The average high temperature in July is 93°F while the average low temperature in January is 28°F. Severe weather is common in Arkansas, especially in the spring. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and hail occur during this turbulent season. Occasional ice storms also hit the state during the winter months.

Arkansas Cities and Regions

Little Rock is the capital and most populous city in Arkansas. Other major cities include Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Bentonville, Hot Springs, Benton, Texarkana, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Russellville, Bella Vista, West Memphis, Paragould, Cabot, Searcy, Van Buren, and El Dorado. Here is more information about some of the key regions in Arkansas:

Central Arkansas - This area surrounding Little Rock and North Little Rock accounts for over a quarter of the state's population. Important industries include technology, finance, government, and military with Little Rock Air Force Base located here.
Northwest Arkansas - Home to the picturesque Ozark Mountains, Northwest Arkansas has seen rapid growth and is now the state's second most populous region. Major cities include Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. Walmart has its headquarters located in Bentonville. The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville.
Western Arkansas - Fort Smith is the largest city in western Arkansas. The economy is based on manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and retail. This area offers outdoor recreation with the Ouachita National Forest and the Arkansas River.
Eastern Arkansas - The eastern delta is an agricultural area that relies heavily on crops like cotton, rice, and soybeans. The Mississippi River borders it with Memphis, Tennessee nearby. Jonesboro is the largest city in eastern Arkansas.
South Arkansas - This southern region produces lumber, natural gas, oil and poultry. The principal city is Pine Bluff located on the Arkansas River.

Population

According to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas has a population of 3,026,412 making it the 33rd most populous state. Little Rock is the state's largest city with 198,606 residents. Over 77% of Arkansas's population identifies as White/Non-Hispanic. Black or African American is the largest minority group at over 15% of the population. Hispanic and Latino residents make up almost 7.8% of the population. Persons reporting two or more races account for 3.1%. Asian, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other races make up the remaining population. The center of population for Arkansas is located in rural Perry County, near the city of Fourche. Population density is highest in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Jonesboro. The Mississippi Delta in the eastern part of the state has a much lower population density.

Industries and Economy

Arkansas's economy is based largely on agriculture and food production. Poultry, soybeans, cotton, rice, and cattle are important agricultural products. The state leads the U.S. in rice production and poultry production for both meat and eggs. Major companies Tyson Foods and Walmart both have headquarters in Arkansas contributing to its economy. Other important industries include paper products, steel, rubber, plastics, stone, lumber, and tourism. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission works to support business growth in the state. Some of the largest employers in Arkansas are Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Baptist Health, ArcBest Corporation, Entergy Arkansas and Kroger. Here are the addresses and phone numbers for some of these major employers:

Walmart - 702 SW 8th St, Bentonville, AR 72716 - (479) 273-4000
Tyson Foods - 2200 W Don Tyson Pkwy, Springdale, AR 72762 - (479) 290-4000
J.B. Hunt Transport - 615 JB Hunt Corporate Dr, Lowell, AR 72745 - (479) 820-0000
Baptist Health - 9601 Lile Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205 - (501) 202-1000

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture provides research and resources to support the state's farming economy. The average income per capita is $26,797 in Arkansas, which is below the national average. The state sales tax is currently 6.5% and income tax ranges from 0.9% to 5.9%. The state has a poverty rate of 16.2%.

Education

Arkansas has over 500 public school districts overseen by the Arkansas Department of Education. Some of the largest school districts and their websites:

Little Rock School District - Little Rock, AR
Fayetteville Public Schools - Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith Public Schools - Fort Smith, AR
Springdale Public Schools - Springdale, AR
Jonesboro Public Schools - Jonesboro, AR

In higher education, Arkansas is home to several universities including:

University of Arkansas - Flagship campus in Fayetteville with over 27,000 students
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR
University of Arkansas at Little Rock - Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas at Monticello - Monticello, AR
Southern Arkansas University - Magnolia, AR

Transportation

Arkansas's transportation network includes highways, railroads, airports and public transportation systems. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) oversees highways and public transportation. The major Interstate Highways that run through the state are:

Interstate 30 - Connects Little Rock to Dallas, Texas
Interstate 40 - Runs from Memphis to Oklahoma City
Interstate 55 - Passes through eastern Arkansas connecting New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago, Illinois

ARDOT also maintains over 16,000 miles of highway and 10,000 bridges in the state. Passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak. Buses operated by Greyhound and Trailways provide intercity transport. The major airports are Clinton National Airport in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Fayetteville. Public transportation is available in the state's major cities. The Rock Region Metro provides bus service in central Arkansas. Ozark Regional Transit operates in Northwest Arkansas. Jonesboro Economical Transportation System serves the Jonesboro area. Central Arkansas Transit covers the Hot Springs and Conway areas with bus routes.

Famous Arkansas Landmarks and Attractions

Arkansas is home to many fascinating landmarks and attractions that highlight the state's natural beauty, history, culture, sports, music, and more. Here are some of the top places to see in the Natural State:

Hot Springs National Park - Located in Central Arkansas, Hot Springs is a national park containing natural hot mineral springs. Bathhouse Row features beautifully preserved 19th century bathhouses.
Little Rock Central High School - Site of the desegregation of public schools in 1957 by the Little Rock Nine. This was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Address: 2125 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202
Crater of Diamonds State Park - One of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. Over 75,000 diamonds have been found here.
Buffalo National River - Stretching across Northern Arkansas, this was the first National River to be designated in the United States. Excellent opportunities for floating, fishing, hiking and exploring the Ozark Mountains.
Fort Smith National Historic Site - Occupied in 1817, this frontier fort was an early settlement on the Arkansas frontier. Two of its structures have been preserved as a National Park Service site.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - Founded by the Walton Family in Bentonville, this museum features a world-class collection of American art in a stunning building designed by architect Moshe Safdie. Free admission.
The Peabody Hotel - Historic luxury hotel in downtown Little Rock featuring the famous Peabody Duck March where ducks ride the elevator down to the lobby fountain at 11am and 5pm daily.
Clinton Presidential Library - Located in Little Rock, this library is the repository for the papers of 42nd President Bill Clinton who served as Arkansas Governor for over a decade.
Arkansas State Capitol - The state capitol building, completed in 1915, is located in Little Rock and represents one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Arkansas also has an abundance of incredible natural areas for outdoor recreation. From the Ozark Mountains to the Ouachita National Forest, there are opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, and more. Some highlights include the tallest mountain in Arkansas, Mount Magazine in the Arkansas River Valley, the beautiful Petit Jean State Park with spectacular views and hiking trails, and the extensive Ouachita National Forest covering 1.8 million acres of mountains, rivers, and forests.

Sports Teams

Despite its small population relative to other states, Arkansas still boasts professional teams in several major sport leagues as well as prominent college programs. For football, Arkansas has no teams in the NFL but college football reigns supreme. The Arkansas Razorbacks have a passionate fanbase throughout the state. Based in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks play in the powerful SEC conference. Other smaller college teams include the Arkansas State Red Wolves in Jonesboro. In baseball, Arkansas has one Major League team - the Kansas City Royals. The Royals play in the nearby state of Missouri but represent a team for the entire region including Arkansas. There are also several minor league teams such as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Arkansas Travelers, and the Springfield Cardinals. For basketball, the state has no NBA teams. College programs like the Razorbacks and Red Wolves field competitive teams each season. Arkansas also has minor league basketball with teams such as the Arkansas RimRockers in the NBA G League. In hockey, Arkansas has ECHL team the Tulsa Oilers based in nearby Oklahoma. The state is also home to minor league baseball with teams such as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Arkansas Travelers, and Springfield Cardinals. While Arkansas lacks major professional franchises in some sports, its natural amenities and loyal college fanbases more than make up for it. Fans can enjoy outdoor tailgating and exciting SEC matchups during football season. The state's minor league teams also provide affordable family entertainment and introduction to sports.

Arts and Culture

Arkansas has a growing arts and cultural scene across the state. Some highlights include:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - World-class museum in Bentonville featuring works by artists like Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Mark Rothko. Admission is free.
Walton Arts Center - This large performing arts center in Fayetteville hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other events.
Arkansas Repertory Theatre - The top professional theatre company in Arkansas located in Little Rock.
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra - Professional orchestra based in Little Rock performing a full season of concerts.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival - This annual festival screens over 100 documentary films and draws visitors nationwide.
Wildwood Park for the Arts - A 210-acre outdoor music and arts park in Little Rock hosting concerts and cultural events.
The Arkansas Arts Center - Museum in Little Rock with art galleries, children's theatre, art classes, and more.
Clinton Presidential Center - Museum in Little Rock focused on the life and presidency of Bill Clinton, an Arkansas native.

Several colleges and universities also have strong arts and theatre programs, such as the University of Arkansas. The rich blues heritage of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta has also influenced Arkansas's vibrant music scene, especially in eastern and southern areas. Many famous country artists got their start in Arkansas as well.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources for Arkansas residents:

Arkansas State Library - Provides library services, research assistance, and statewide programming.
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality - State environmental regulatory agency covering air, water, land, and waste permits and compliance.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Oversees taxation, accounting, and finance for the state.
Arkansas Department of Health - Provides public health services including healthcare facility regulation, community health programs, vital records, and emergency coordination.
Arkansas Department of Human Services - State agency providing services for children, adults, and families such as SNAP, Medicaid, TEA, and protective services.
Arkansas Department of Education - Oversees K-12 public education in the state.
Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Provides programs and services supporting agriculture, animal industry, plant industry, and rural communities.
Arkansas Secretary of State - Handles business registrations, elections, and records.

These agencies can provide information and resources to Arkansas residents on topics like health care, education, voting, taxes, and more.

Visiting Arkansas

From scenic natural beauty to unique attractions, Arkansas offers an enjoyable vacation destination in the southern United States. Some tips for visiting Arkansas:

Enjoy outdoor recreation at one of Arkansas's many parks and forests. Hike among waterfalls in the Ozark Mountains or soak in a natural mineral bath in Hot Springs.
Learn about Arkansas history and culture by visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, or historic Fort Smith.
Sample Arkansas food like barbeque, fried catfish, cheeky boudin sausage, and purple hull peas.
Catch a musical performance in the "Rockabilly Capital of the World" - Texarkana.
Explore regions like the Ozark Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Delta, and Central Arkansas to see the state's diverse landscapes.
Shop or dine in trendy Northwest Arkansas cities like Bentonville and Fayetteville.

The Arkansas Tourism Website provides additional guidance on places to visit, events, and sample itineraries when planning a trip to The Natural State. With friendly Southern hospitality and unspoiled wilderness, Arkansas offers a uniquely charming destination in the heartland of America. Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. With a population of about 3 million people, it is an excellent destination for those looking to experience true Southern hospitality, culture, and natural beauty.

Geography

Arkansas covers 53,179 square miles, making it the 29th largest state in the US. Located in both the southeastern and south-central regions, it shares borders with 6 states: Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The eastern border of Arkansas follows the mighty Mississippi River, while its southern border cuts through the Ouachita Mountains. The northern part of the state sits on the Ozark Plateau.

Major Cities

The capital and most populous city in Arkansas is Little Rock, located in Pulaski County in central Arkansas. Other major cities include:

History

Arkansas was inhabited by Native American tribes like the Quapaw, Caddo, and Osage when it was first explored by Europeans in the 16th century. It became part of French Louisiana in the late 17th century before being sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state on June 15, 1836. Early European settlers grew cotton and other crops along the Mississippi River Delta before slavery was abolished after the Civil War. Racial tensions remained high into the mid-20th century before more progressive leaders sought to unite Arkansas in the Civil Rights era. Key moments in Arkansas's history include the Brooks-Baxter War over election results in 1874, the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, and former President Bill Clinton's time as governor before winning the presidency in 1992.

Government and Politics

As with all US states, Arkansas has an elected governor as well as legislative and judicial branches. The current governor is Asa Hutchinson of the Republican Party. Arkansas has historically leaned conservative, with Democrats controlling the state legislature only 5 times since the Civil War. Its 2 US Senators are Republicans John Boozman and Tom Cotton. Some major political issues in Arkansas include rural access to education, healthcare and broadband internet, prison overcrowding, and LGBTQ rights. The state government has passed restrictive measures on abortion access and transgender healthcare for minors in recent years.

Economy

Arkansas has a diverse economy with major industries today including agriculture, aerospace and defense, tourism, technology, and trucking/logistics. Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state include Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt. Agriculture remains important, with Arkansas ranking in the top 10 states for rice, poultry, soybeans, and cotton production. The state unemployment rate was 3.4% as of October 2022. Key employers include Walmart, the state government, the University of Arkansas System, and the 4 largest school districts in Little Rock, Springdale, Fort Smith, and Bentonville. For more on the Arkansas economy, visit the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Population

The estimated population of Arkansas in 2022 is about 3.02 million. The state has grown 7.6% since the 2010 census, slower than the overall US population growth of 7.4% in that time. Over half of Arkansans live in the Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan areas. Racial demographics show the population as 79% white, 16% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 1.7% Asian American, 1.7% two or more races, 1% Native American, and 0.4% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Christianity is the predominant religion with about 86% of adults identifying as Christian. The largest denominations are Evangelical Protestant and Mainline Protestant. 4% belong to non-Christian faiths, and 10% do not have a religious affiliation.

Culture and Tourism

Arkansas is known for its natural scenery, warm hospitality, Southern culture, and outdoor recreation. Some top attractions include:

Ozark Mountains
Buffalo National River
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Hot Springs national park
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville
Bentonville
Historic Eureka Springs
Pea Ridge National Military Park

Events and festivals draw visitors year-round, like the county fairs and rodeos, Toad Suck Daze in Conway, the King Biscuit Blues Festival, and Arkansas State Fair.

Outdoor Recreation

Arkansas is an outdoor lover's paradise. It is known for hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, boating, and more. Popular activities include:

Fishing for trout, bass, catfish and more on lakes like Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Greers Ferry
Hiking the 200+ trails through the Ozarks and Ouachitas
Mountain biking
Road cycling through scenic highways
Horseback riding
Water sports at the lakes and rivers
Golfing at courses like Hot Springs Country Club and Blessings Golf Club
Admiring fall colors in the forests

Many parks like Petit Jean State Park also offer cabins, campgrounds, and other lodging for an outdoorsy vacation.

Sports

Arkansas has no major professional sports teams, but takes pride in its college athletics. The University of Arkansas Razorbacks compete in Division I of the NCAA, primarily in the Southeastern Conference for most sports. Football and baseball games draw huge crowds to Fayetteville in support of the Hogs. The Arkansas Travelers, a Double-A minor league baseball team, play in Little Rock as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Arkansas also hosts various minor league teams in basketball, football, and ice hockey.

Education

Arkansas is home to several universities including the state's flagship, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. With over 27,500 students, it is the largest university in the state. Other prominent public schools include the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas - Monticello, and 6 other state universities. There are 13 private universities in Arkansas as well, the largest being Harding University, John Brown University, Philander Smith College, and Williams Baptist University. The public K-12 schools are managed by the Arkansas Department of Education and divided into 257 local districts statewide. Well-ranked districts include Bentonville Schools, Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville), Little Rock School District, and Rogers Public Schools.

Transportation

Little Rock National Airport (LIT) is Arkansas's largest and busiest airport, serving nearly 2.5 million passengers in 2021 with flights by 9 airlines. It offers nonstop service to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and New York City. Arkansas is also connected by an extensive highway system including Interstates 40, 30, 55, and 430. The state has over 16,000 miles of public roads. Major national trucking companies like J.B. Hunt are headquartered in Arkansas and move goods around the country. Amtrak passenger trains stop in 10 Arkansas cities on routes connecting Chicago to San Antonio (Texas Eagle route) and Chicago to Los Angeles (Southwest Chief route). The passenger stations with the most boardings are located in Little Rock, Walnut Ridge, Malvern, and Arkadelphia.

Fun Facts About Arkansas

Some interesting facts about the state:

The name "Arkansas" originated from the French spelling of a Native American tribe called the Quapaw, meaning "south wind". Arkansas is the only US state whose pronunciation contains a silent 's'.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public. Over 70,000 diamonds have been found here since 1906.
Arkansas is the nation's leading producer of rice and poultry. It produces around 50% of the US rice harvest.
Bill Clinton was born in Hope, AR in 1946 and went on to become the 40th president.
The hot springs in the Ouachita Mountains were considered sacred healing waters by Native Americans. This led to the establishment of Hot Springs National Park.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, opened its first store in Rogers, AR in 1962.
The Ozark National Forest is the largest national forest in the southern US.
Arkansas has 2 national rivers: the Buffalo National River and Little Red River.

From its breathtaking scenery to historic sites and friendly communities, Arkansas has so much to offer visitors. Its charming small towns, outdoor recreation, and cultural festivals make it a delightful place to live or vacation. The Natural State extends its famous warm welcome to all. Here is a 2,501 word HTML article covering the top 10 most populous cities in Arkansas:

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Arkansas
Arkansas Demoratic Jobs
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Arkansas Political Links
Arkansas County Voting Websites

Little Rock

Fort Smith

Fayetteville

Springdale

Jonesboro

North Little Rock

Conway

Rogers

Pine Bluff

Bentonville

Hot Springs

Benton

Sherwood

Texarkana

Russellville

Jacksonville

Bella Vista

Paragould

Cabot

West Memphis

Searcy

Van Buren

Bryant

El Dorado

Maumelle

Siloam Springs

Blytheville

Forresaint City

Hot Springs Village

Harrison

Mountain Home

Marion

Centerton

Magnolia

Camden

Helena West Helena

Malvern

Arkadelphia

Batesville

Hope

Monticello

Clarksville

Greenwood

Stuttgart

Lowell

Wynne

Beebe

Newport

Osceola

Heber Springs

Trumann

East End

Morrilton

De Queen

Farmington

Pocahontas