Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Everything from Book cover featuring falling person reaching for guitar Fall Through to Meteorite on display including didactic text in library with bookshelves in background. Meteorites

This Day in Arkansas History

September 28, 1916

Caraway, a small farming community located in Craighead County, got its first post office, with Joseph Ewing Johnston as postmaster. The town was named for U.S. Senator Thaddeus Caraway of nearby Jonesboro (Craighead County). Starting in 1955, Caraway was home to the All American Red Heads professional women’s basketball team, which played from 1936 to 1986, having moved to the town that was home to their new owner. Caraway was also home to one of Arkansas’s Medal of Honor recipients, U.S. Army Sergeant Nick Daniel Bacon, who was awarded the medal for his actions in Vietnam.

Browse the Encyclopedia

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.

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