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This Day in Arkansas History

June 20, 1921

The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled against the Moore defendants, six of twelve African-American men convicted and sentenced to death for their supposed roles in what later came to be known as the Elaine Massacre. In response, lawyers Scipio Jones and Edgar McHaney filed a writ of error with the U.S. Supreme Court. Though some local white residents of Phillips County still contend that whites at the time acted appropriately to prevent a slaughter in the Elaine area in 1919, the modern view of most historians is that white mobs unjustifiably killed an undetermined number of African Americans. Race relations in this area of Arkansas are currently quite strained for a number of reasons, including the events of 1919.

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Walnut Ridge Street Scene

Walnut Ridge (Lawrence County), which was incorporated in 1880, was home to approximately 500 citizens when this photo was taken in the early 1890s. As a county seat located on a major railroad, the town has long been a center of economic activity in the area, as can been seen in this photo.

 

Walnut Ridge (Lawrence County), which was incorporated in 1880, was home to approximately 500 citizens when this photo was taken in the early 1890s. As a county seat located on a major railroad, the town has long been a center of economic activity in the area, as can been seen in this photo.

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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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