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This Day in Arkansas History

September 22, 1808

Charles M. McDermott was born in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. McDermott was a doctor, minister, plantation owner, Greek scholar, charter member of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and inventor. He was a regular contributor to the Scientific American, and he was among the first to advocate the germ theory of disease. While visiting Mississippi, McDermott had heard of the rich land in Arkansas’s Chicot County and traveled to investigate it. He bought a large tract of land, which is now in Dermott (Chicot County), in 1834 and established a plantation. After living in cabins on the bank of Bayou Bartholomew for seven years, the McDermotts moved into their new home, Bois D’Arc, which was designed after Louisiana houses of the period.

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Greenwood Hotel and Store

The Sebastian County town of Greenwood was founded in 1851 but was not incorporated until 1884. Designated as the first county seat, it now shares that responsibility with Fort Smith. By the 1870s, the surrounding countryside had become a main coal-producing area of the state, prompting substantial growth. Part of the growth resulted in the construction of many new buildings, such as the Brownlow Hotel and C. R. Owens Store, shown here in an 1887 photograph.

 

The Sebastian County town of Greenwood was founded in 1851 but was not incorporated until 1884. Designated as the first county seat, it now shares that responsibility with Fort Smith. By the 1870s, the surrounding countryside had become a main coal-producing area of the state, prompting substantial growth. Part of the growth resulted in the construction of many new buildings, such as the Brownlow Hotel and C. R. Owens Store, shown here in an 1887 photograph.

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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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