Arkansas, bordered by Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes, including mountains, river valleys, forests, and lakes. As the 25th state, Arkansas seceded from the Union during the Civil War and played a significant role in several major battles. The expansion of railroads after Reconstruction connected Arkansas to major cities, bringing economic opportunities for farmers and industrial workers.
During World War II, industrialization, urbanization, and migration transformed Arkansas. The state hosted Japanese-American internment sites and German and Italian prisoner of war camps. The war also led to mass migration as thousands of Arkansans sought better wages elsewhere, with around 10% of the population serving in the military.
In 1957, Little Rock Central High School gained national attention during the civil rights movement. After the landmark Supreme Court ruling that deemed “separate but equal” facilities unconstitutional, the Arkansas National Guard blocked the entry of nine African-American students. However, later on, federal troops, ordered by President Dwight Eisenhower, escorted these students to the school to attend their first full day of classes, making history in the fight for desegregation.
