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This Day in Arkansas History

February 13, 1937

William Alvin (Bill) Whitworth was born in Hot Springs (Garland County). He attended Central High School in Little Rock, where he also spent time working as an advertising department copy boy for the Arkansas Democrat. In 1960, Whitworth graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in English and journalism and began to work for the Arkansas Gazette and its city editor Bill Shelton. He came to be recognized as one of the nation’s most reputable journalists, having been a writer and associate editor for the New Yorker and editor-in-chief of the Atlantic Monthly.

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Greene County Courthouse (1888)

In 1884, Paragould was designated the county seat of Greene County. A temporary courthouse was used for the first few years. Plans for a new brick courthouse were begun in August 1887. Completed in 1888, the building constructed by S. R. McGinnis and W. F. Boone cost almost $15,000. The new two-story Georgian Revival was crowned by an impressive clock tower, which was removed in 1965. When a new courthouse was constructed in the 1990s, the old brick structure fell into disrepair. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, it has since been restored to its former beauty.

 

In 1884, Paragould was designated the county seat of Greene County. A temporary courthouse was used for the first few years. Plans for a new brick courthouse were begun in August 1887. Completed in 1888, the building constructed by S. R. McGinnis and W. F. Boone cost almost $15,000. The new two-story Georgian Revival was crowned by an impressive clock tower, which was removed in 1965. When a new courthouse was constructed in the 1990s, the old brick structure fell into disrepair. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, it has since been restored to its former beauty.

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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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