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This Day in Arkansas History

February 20, 1967

Newsweek reported that inmates at the Tucker State Prison Farm (now the Tucker Unit of the Arkansas Department of Correction) in Jefferson County were punished with beatings, whippings, torture with pliers, and needles put under their fingernails, in addition to the use of the Tucker Telephone (a torture device invented in Arkansas that sent electric shock through victims). Much of the abuse was carried out by guards and the prison trusties who reported to them. The 1980 movie Brubaker, loosely inspired by events within the Arkansas prison system, depicts an inmate named Abraham being tortured with the Tucker Telephone.

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Martin Van Buren

Of the seventy-five counties in the state of Arkansas, ten have been named in honor of presidents of the United States. On November 11, 1833, the territorial legislature named the then-newest county in honor of Martin Van Buren. At the time of the creation of the county named in his honor, he was serving as vice president, though he was elected president in 1836.

 

Of the seventy-five counties in the state of Arkansas, ten have been named in honor of presidents of the United States. On November 11, 1833, the territorial legislature named the then-newest county in honor of Martin Van Buren. At the time of the creation of the county named in his honor, he was serving as vice president, though he was elected president in 1836.

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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.

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