Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

September 29, 1919

A dedication service was held for the Southwestern Collegiate Institute (now John Brown University) in Siloam Springs (Benton County). The school came into existence as a humble creation, sporting a high school academy and a two-year junior college. The school evolved into a four-year liberal arts university and later developed graduate programs in business and counseling. Throughout its history, the university has forged close ties with the churches and industries of northwest Arkansas and business leaders such as Sam Walton and John Tyson.

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Smith Ferry

Long before the streams of Arkansas were spanned by bridges, the ferry was the most common way to cross deep water. Many early ferries were privately owned and generally were only large enough to carry one or two vehicles. Shown here in the early 1930s is the Smith Ferry on the North Fork River near Henderson (Baxter County). Though most Arkansas ferries have been replaced by bridges, there still remain some isolated locations that employ ferry service.

 

Long before the streams of Arkansas were spanned by bridges, the ferry was the most common way to cross deep water. Many early ferries were privately owned and generally were only large enough to carry one or two vehicles. Shown here in the early 1930s is the Smith Ferry on the North Fork River near Henderson (Baxter County). Though most Arkansas ferries have been replaced by bridges, there still remain some isolated locations that employ ferry service.

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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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