Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

April 16, 1864

A detachment of Federal troops commanded by Sergeant Josiah Watts from Company A of the Second Arkansas Cavalry was attacked by a Confederate battalion under the command of Captain James Washington Cooper as they foraged for supplies along the Osage Branch of the King’s River. Conflicting reports estimate a total of six Union troops killed and one missing following the engagement. This affair represents the continued presence of a small band of semi-autonomous Confederate commands along the Arkansas-Missouri border.

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Tarantula with Egg Sac

The tarantula, which appeared in Arkansas about 8,000 years ago, is the largest spider known to inhabit the state. The spiders are found in most areas of the state, with the exception of the Delta. Females, such as the one shown here with her egg sac, are known to live as long as twenty years. Most of what is known about the tarantula in Arkansas is due to the research of Dr. William J. Baerg.

 

The tarantula, which appeared in Arkansas about 8,000 years ago, is the largest spider known to inhabit the state. The spiders are found in most areas of the state, with the exception of the Delta. Females, such as the one shown here with her egg sac, are known to live as long as twenty years. Most of what is known about the tarantula in Arkansas is due to the research of Dr. William J. Baerg.

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Two-story building with single-story wings and parking lot "Jacksonville Museum of Military History" Jacksonville Pulaski White man in suit smiling observing white woman and man playing violin and musical saw Arkansas Living Treasure Award dark-haired woman with chin in hand Kai Coggin Poetry White man in a collared shirt standing in his office Literature and Authors Topical White man in suit speaking at a lectern with mixed group of men and women behind him LGBTQ+ Movement Political Movements, Sexual Orientation Two white men in casual clothing leaning on knees smiling posing with group of fifteen individuals of various identities standing and smiling Sibling Rivalry Press Businesses, Organizations and Journals Lee Ronnel Business Leaders, Philanthropy white man with beard poses with one hand inside military jacket Prairie Grove Campaign Civil War Blue diamond with stars and crossed swords above blue and red text Capture of Van Buren Civil War Map of Arkansas showing location of major Civil War events with red triangles Battle of Prairie Grove Civil War white man with beard poses with one hand inside military jacket Skirmish at Reed's Mountain Civil War Map of Arkansas showing location of major Civil War events with red triangles Engagement at Cane Hill Civil War Blue diamond with stars and crossed swords above blue and red text Skirmish at Cane Hill Civil War white man with beard poses with one hand inside military jacket Reconnaissance toward Van Buren and Fort Smith Civil War Blue diamond with stars and crossed swords above blue and red text Skirmish between Fayetteville and Cane Hill Civil War Blue diamond with stars and crossed swords above blue and red text Action at Oxford Bend Civil War

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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