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This Day in Arkansas History

June 21, 1963

The Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission accepted rights to donated property for the creation of Lake Poinsett State Park. The project was the result of volunteer efforts by citizens of Harrisburg (Poinsett County) to create a recreational lake—combined with work by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to create a lake through damming Distress Creek and the approval of Governor Orval Faubus. Once the 640-acre lake was created, land was donated and funds were raised to purchase sufficient shoreline property to warrant designation as a state park. Lake Poinsett State Park is the state’s twentieth state park and is described as a haven for fishing.

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Headquarters House Museum

The so-called Headquarters House in Fayetteville (Washington County) was built in 1853 by Judge Jonas Tebbetts. A staunch Unionist during the Civil War, Tebbetts fled the house with his family in late 1862, never to return. It saw extensive damage during the 1863 Action at Fayetteville and was used as a headquarters by opposing sides at various times. The house was turned over to the Washington County Historical Society in 1967, which now operates it as a museum of history.

 

The so-called Headquarters House in Fayetteville (Washington County) was built in 1853 by Judge Jonas Tebbetts. A staunch Unionist during the Civil War, Tebbetts fled the house with his family in late 1862, never to return. It saw extensive damage during the 1863 Action at Fayetteville and was used as a headquarters by opposing sides at various times. The house was turned over to the Washington County Historical Society in 1967, which now operates it as a museum of history.

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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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