Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

This Day in Arkansas History

November 9, 1827

Congressional delegate Henry Wharton Conway died from wounds he had sustained in a duel on October 29 with Territorial Secretary Robert Crittenden. The duel took place after animosities following a tumultuous campaign for Congress between Conway and Robert Oden were aggravated by supposed insults made by Conway. In the duel, which took place on the east side of the Mississippi River because dueling was illegal in Arkansas Territory, Conway’s shot grazed Crittenden’s coat, but Crittenden shot Conway in the rib, causing an injury that eventually led to his death. The Crittenden-Conway duel was just one of many between Arkansas politicians and others over the years; the practice did not end until 1863.

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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, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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