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This Day in Arkansas History

January 15, 1885

The widower William P. Dortch married Nettie Steele, a daughter of Thomas William Steele, a North Carolinian who had become the largest land holder in Pulaski County. As a wedding present, Steele presented the couple with an 1,800-acre plantation adjoining the Dortch property in Lonoke County. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to their newly acquired property. Their success in subsequent years made possible the construction of Marlsgate (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979), and their sons and grandsons operated the farm throughout the twentieth century.

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Arkansas City Cotton Picker

Before the advent of the mechanical cotton picker in the early twentieth century, all cotton was picked by hand—perhaps the most labor-intensive job on a plantation or farm. By the early 1900s, a laborer picking cotton would commonly drag a long cotton sack, in which bolls would be placed, along the cotton rows. In earlier times, large wicker baskets, as shown in this Desha County image, were also used to collect the cotton.

 

Before the advent of the mechanical cotton picker in the early twentieth century, all cotton was picked by hand—perhaps the most labor-intensive job on a plantation or farm. By the early 1900s, a laborer picking cotton would commonly drag a long cotton sack, in which bolls would be placed, along the cotton rows. In earlier times, large wicker baskets, as shown in this Desha County image, were also used to collect the cotton.

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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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