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This Day in Arkansas History

February 9, 1865

The Scout from Pine Bluff to DeValls Bluff began. This scout was typical of many such operations carried out by the Union army during the duration of the war. Facing minor organized resistance, the Federal troopers easily defeated the small guerrilla bands opposing them. Skirmishes such as this were typical in the last days of the Civil War in Arkansas.

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Pine Ridge Street Scene

In the mid-1930s, one of the most popular radio shows starred Lum and Abner, two fictional characters played by Chester Lauck and Norris Goff of Mena (Polk County). Their escapades centered around the fictional town of Pine Ridge. In 1931, during an elaborate ceremony on the steps of the state capitol, the town of Waters (Montgomery County) was renamed Pine Ridge. Seen in this undated photo is the Dick Huddleston Store located in Pine Ridge. The store was a gathering point for the characters in the radio show. Today, the building is the Lum and Abner Museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

In the mid-1930s, one of the most popular radio shows starred Lum and Abner, two fictional characters played by Chester Lauck and Norris Goff of Mena (Polk County). Their escapades centered around the fictional town of Pine Ridge. In 1931, during an elaborate ceremony on the steps of the state capitol, the town of Waters (Montgomery County) was renamed Pine Ridge. Seen in this undated photo is the Dick Huddleston Store located in Pine Ridge. The store was a gathering point for the characters in the radio show. Today, the building is the Lum and Abner Museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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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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