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This Day in Arkansas History

May 8, 1829

Sam Houston—traveling in disguise on the steam packet Red Rover, by flatboat, and by steamship into Arkansas Territory—arrived in Little Rock (Pulaski County) on his way to live “in the wigwam of his adopted father,” John Jolly, chief of the Cherokee in Arkansas Territory. Houston had resigned his office as governor of Tennessee following the collapse of his marriage to eighteen-year-old Eliza Allen under mysterious circumstances. From May 1829 until November 1832, Houston lived in Arkansas Territory among the Cherokee.

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Elisabeth Herndon

At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Elisabeth Champline was one of 1,700 young people to serve as a volunteer nurse for America’s military forces. She was the only Arkansas woman to serve in that capacity. Active in veteran activities after the war, she served briefly as president of the local veterans’ auxiliary. In 1930, she was elected vice president of the Spanish-American War Nurses.

 

At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Elisabeth Champline was one of 1,700 young people to serve as a volunteer nurse for America’s military forces. She was the only Arkansas woman to serve in that capacity. Active in veteran activities after the war, she served briefly as president of the local veterans’ auxiliary. In 1930, she was elected vice president of the Spanish-American War Nurses.

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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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