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This Day in Arkansas History

February 28, 1927

J. B. Hunt was born to sharecroppers in rural Cleburne County. He left school after the seventh grade to go to work at his uncle’s sawmill and later worked picking cotton and selling lumber. With industriousness and innovation, he rose to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the state’s history. He founded one of America’s largest trucking firms, which became one of the largest employers in the state and is consistently listed among Forbes magazine’s list of America’s largest corporations.

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Little Rock Zoo

The Little Rock Zoo (Pulaski County) began in 1926 with only two animals: an abandoned timber wolf and a brown bear. Today, the state’s only public zoo is home to more than 725 animals representing more than 200 different species. The zoo’s first buildings were built of native Arkansas stone by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration. One of those buildings, the bird building, is shown here in the 1960s.

 

The Little Rock Zoo (Pulaski County) began in 1926 with only two animals: an abandoned timber wolf and a brown bear. Today, the state’s only public zoo is home to more than 725 animals representing more than 200 different species. The zoo’s first buildings were built of native Arkansas stone by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration. One of those buildings, the bird building, is shown here in the 1960s.

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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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