Arkansas
( The Land of Opportunity / The Wonder State )
The early French explorers of the state gave it its name, which is probably a phonetic spelling for the French word for "downriver" people, a reference to the Quapaw Indians and the river along which they settled. Arkansas, which joined the Union in 1836, was the 25th state. Arkansas' early economy was largely one of agriculture, with cotton as the main cash crop. Sawmilling was the earliest industry. Cotton and lumber are still important, but they no longer dominate the economy. Today, Arkansas' manufacturing income exceeds its agricultural income, but the state's basic wealth is still in its farms, forests, and mines. Arkansas is a beautiful land of mountains and valleys, thick forests and fertile plains. The Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges in northern and western Arkansas are known as the Highlands; the southern and eastern parts of Arkansas are called the Lowlands. Tourists enjoy the state's natural beauty, its many recreational facilities and its historic sites. Arkansas' mineral and hot spring waters are well-known.
Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Arkansas include:
Sonny Liston,
Billy Bob Thornton,
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The Flag of Arkansas
Entered the Union in 1836 as the 25th State; flag adopted in 1913, modified in 1923 and 1924. Arkansas' rank in the Union is indicated by the stars which border the diamond, recalling that it is the only State where minerals are mined. The four stars in the diamond refer to important aspects of Arkansas history.
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 Largest Cities in the State
(2000) Little Rock, 183,133; Fort Smith, 80,268; North Little Rock, 60,433; Fayetteville, 58,047; Jonesboro, 55,515; Pine Bluff, 55,085; Springdale, 45,798; Conway, 43,167; Rogers, 38,829; Hot Springs, 35,750
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Business and Trade in Arkansas
Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, soybeans, sorghum, cattle, cotton, rice, hogs, milk.
Industries: Food processing, electric equipment, fabricated metal products, machinery, paper products, bromine, vanadium.
State Symbols and Emblems
- Bird: Mockingbird
- Flower: Apple blossom
- Tree: Pine (pinus)
- Song(s): Arkansas
Oh, Arkansas
- Motto: Regnat Populus (The people rule)
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Capital: Little Rock
Local Weather
Statehood: 1836-06-15
Population:
2,673,400 (51.3 mi2)
Geographic Area (mi2)
Total 53,178.62
Water 1,110.45
Land 52,068.17
Rank 27th Largest
State Education:
Pub & Prv Schools
College & University
Libraries
Border States: Louisiana, Mississippi - Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas
Health Information:
Illicit Drug Use
Youth Risk Survey
Housing: In Arkansas, there are 1,173,043 housing units, averaging to 22.5 per sq mile.
 Related Magazines:
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