Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Everything from Rows of white tombstones in cemetery with house behind trees in the background Arkansas State Veterans Cemeteries to Group of white men in military uniforms on horseback on street Civil War Veterans’ Reunions
or Surprise Me

This Day in Arkansas History

November 11, 1904

James Anthony Dibrell Jr., a founder of the University of Arkansas Medical Department (now the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences—UAMS) and its second dean, died of pneumonia. He is buried in Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock (Pulaski County). The Dibrell home at 1400 Spring Street became known as “the gadget house” because of Dibrell’s love of modern devices such as doorbells, burglar alarms, and central heating. The home, still a private residence, remains in the twenty-first century as a cornerstone of Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter Historical District.

Learn more about James Anthony Dibrell Jr. Explore full history calendar

Browse the Encyclopedia

Entries

By Category A – Z

Media

By Category A – Z

Photo of the Day

James Madison

Of the seventy-five counties in Arkansas, ten have been named in honor of presidents of the United States. On September 30, 1836, the state legislature named the newest county to be created in honor of the nation’s fourth chief executive, James Madison of Virginia.

 

Of the seventy-five counties in Arkansas, ten have been named in honor of presidents of the United States. On September 30, 1836, the state legislature named the newest county to be created in honor of the nation’s fourth chief executive, James Madison of Virginia.

Learn More
Trending Entries
Portrait white man in suit military medal long wavy hair thick beard smoking large pipe Albert Pike Individuals, Lawyers, Poetry, State Figures White man with stubbled beard sitting in backwards cap and jacket with his hands clasped under his chin Billy Bob Thornton Actors and Filmmakers Book cover "The Boys on the Tracks" showing a light at the end of railroad tracks The Boys on the Tracks Nonfiction African-American man with mustache in smiling in suit and tie Bobby Rush Blues busy city intersection with cars and people, view of state capitol in background Little Rock Pulaski Tall obelisk with statue of soldier and plaque with trees in the background World War I Post Civil War White man in suit and striped tie writing at his desk Arkansas Prison Blood Scandal Law Issues and Controversies The Clinton Chronicles Old white woman in hat and dress holding a revolver Belle Starr Criminal Activities School Consolidation Group of African-American men standing and sitting before brick wall Elaine Massacre of 1919 Early Twentieth Century white man in embroidered black shirt and white woman in turtleneck and white jacket smiling in front of trees "Tony and Susan Alamo Tony Alamo sings Mister DJ" Tony Alamo Criminal Activities, Religious Figures Faces of three white men superimposed upon forest with red and white text on book cover West Memphis Three Criminal Activities "Negroes leave town of Bonanza" newspaper clipping Sundown Towns document "Arkansas Called The Wonder State Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 1923" Official State Nicknames Official State Symbols Portrait Italian American man in stylish suit tie wavy hair intimidating glare droopy right eyelid Charles "Lucky" Luciano Criminal Activities
New & Updated
Hispanic woman in park ranger uniform smiling at fountain Josie Fernandez Historians and Historic Organizations, Individuals White woman in red dress speaking at a lectern Ruth Coker Burks White woman in red dress speaking at a lectern Files Cemetery Cemeteries and Memorials Interior cave stalagmites on natural shelves above mineral deposit piles covered in icicle like drips Caves and Caverns Physical Geography White man with glasses in suit and tie sitting and smiling in chair Terrell Don Hutto Business Leaders, Law Enforcement Bison Zoology African-American woman in turban and hoop earrings behind orchid Pulitzer Prize Older white woman in black posing with an open book on a table Arkansas: A Guide to the State Nonfiction Elliott West Historians and Historic Organizations, Nonfiction Eagle sculpture Medal of Honor Recipients White man smiling in military uniform with medal of honor Lloyd Leslie "Scooter" Burke Individuals White man crouching in long sleeve shirt and pants Gilbert Georgie Collier Individuals "Arkansas County" map showing borders roads cities waterways wildlife areas Tichnor Arkansas Arkansas Museums Association Historians and Historic Organizations Single-story brick house with covered porch entrance with columns with trees in front Quapaw Quarter Association Historians and Historic Organizations White man short hair slicked back clean shaven face wearing suit and tie George Rose Smith Hobbies, Judges

About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

New to Arkansas?
New to Arkansas?

Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics and more!

See Overview