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This Day in Arkansas History

November 5, 1862

Dandridge McRae was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. McRae went on to command a brigade at the December 7, 1862, Battle of Prairie Grove (Washington County) and at Helena (Phillips County) on July 4, 1863. Following the Battle of Helena, General Theophilus H. Holmes, the Confederate commander at Helena, accused McRae of “misbehavior before the enemy” for allegedly failing to make an attack. A court of inquiry disagreed, clearing McRae of all charges. After the war, McRae returned to Searcy and resumed his law practice, which he continued until 1881, when he became deputy secretary of state. The town of McRae (White County) is named in his honor.

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Gail Davis

Gail Davis was an Arkansas-born actress who starred as the legendary sharpshooter in the groundbreaking television western series Annie Oakley, which ran from 1954 through 1956. She appeared in thirty-two feature films, was a guest on a number of TV shows, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and was a role model for young women.

 

Gail Davis was an Arkansas-born actress who starred as the legendary sharpshooter in the groundbreaking television western series Annie Oakley, which ran from 1954 through 1956. She appeared in thirty-two feature films, was a guest on a number of TV shows, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and was a role model for young women.

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Multistory buildings with four smokestacks and train tracks in the foreground Dierks Forests, Inc. Businesses Wooden electric chair with leather straps on display Capital Punishment Law Enforcement White man in suit and tie in front of American flag French Hill Business Leaders, Legislative Branch -- Representatives Illustration of stars stripes and donkey inside outline of Arkansas state text "I am a Democrat" Democratic Party Parties and Interest Groups Group of white men in suits posing in front of building with "Republican State Headquarters" written on it Republican Party Parties and Interest Groups White man smiling in suit and tie signed "Tim Griffin 2015" John Timothy Griffin Legislative Branch -- Representatives, Lt. Governors White man smiling in shirt and tie with American flag behind him Thomas Bryant Cotton Legislative Branch -- Representatives, Legislative Branch -- Senators White woman with long hair smiling in collared coat Leslie Carol Rutledge State Figures White woman in green dress with arms crossed Sarah Huckabee Sanders Executive Branch White man in suit and tie in front of American flag Bruce Eugene Westerman Legislative Branch -- Representatives White man and woman wearing a bonnet Lee Compere Religious Figures Arkansas Libertarian Party Parties and Interest Groups White man wearing suit and tie in front of flag Stephen Allen Womack Legislative Branch -- Representatives White man with glasses wearing suit and tie Eric Alan "Rick" Crawford Legislative Branch -- Representatives Wendell Griffen Judges, Religious Figures Brick building with green metal roof and clock tower and covered entrance on paved parking lot Saline County Library Educational Organizations and Programs, Libraries and Archives

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, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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