Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

April 11, 1911

Old Mike, the name given to a traveling salesman who visited Prescott (Nevada County) about once a month to sell his wares at homes and businesses, apparently attended an outdoor revival in the city park. The next day, his body was found in the park, where he had evidently died of a heart attack or stroke. The body was taken to the Cornish Funeral Home, where it was embalmed. A search of Mike’s belongings did not turn up any identification. The body was placed on display at the funeral home in hopes of someone identifying it. Old Mike turned into a tourist attraction, and people traveled from surrounding areas to view him. In 1975, the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office asked Cornish Funeral Home to bury the body.

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Battle of Prairie Grove

Weekend Civil War reenactments at which history enthusiasts attempt to live the life of a typical Civil War soldier are becoming increasingly popular. Such events are common in Arkansas, with one of the best known being held at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Washington County. The event, which started in the 1980s, is held in early December during even years. Shown here are reenactors in 1980.

 

Weekend Civil War reenactments at which history enthusiasts attempt to live the life of a typical Civil War soldier are becoming increasingly popular. Such events are common in Arkansas, with one of the best known being held at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Washington County. The event, which started in the 1980s, is held in early December during even years. Shown here are reenactors in 1980.

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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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