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This Day in Arkansas History

April 4, 1849

Frederick Notrebe died in New Orleans, Louisiana. Notrebe was a prominent merchant, planter, and land speculator at Arkansas Post (Arkansas County). One of the wealthiest men in territorial and antebellum Arkansas, he operated a trading house, dealing mostly in furs and peltries. As one of the first cotton factors at Arkansas Post, he was instrumental in establishing cotton as a staple crop in territorial Arkansas. He is credited with founding the town of Napoleon (Desha County). One historian reports that Notrebe was buried at Arkansas Post, but his grave was subsequently washed into the Arkansas River. A Confederate steamboat was named for him, as was Notrebe’s Bend in the southern reaches of the Arkansas River.

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The Ritz

The Ritz opened as an opera house on Main Street in Blytheville (Mississippi County) in the early 1900s. A popular entertainment venue, the building was renovated in 1951, about the time this photo was taken, giving it a modern appearance. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair but was restored to its 1950s look in the 1990s. Since 1981, it has served as the Ritz Civic Center and the home of the local arts council.

 

The Ritz opened as an opera house on Main Street in Blytheville (Mississippi County) in the early 1900s. A popular entertainment venue, the building was renovated in 1951, about the time this photo was taken, giving it a modern appearance. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair but was restored to its 1950s look in the 1990s. Since 1981, it has served as the Ritz Civic Center and the home of the local arts council.

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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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