Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Everything from Book cover featuring falling person reaching for guitar Fall Through to Meteorite on display including didactic text in library with bookshelves in background. Meteorites

This Day in Arkansas History

September 21, 1908

Operations at Arkansas State Normal School, now the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), began. UCA was created by the passage of Act 317 of 1907 as Arkansas State Normal School, the only institution of higher learning in the state created for the sole purpose of teacher training. UCA has been one of Arkansas’s leading institutions of higher education for more than 100 years. By 2020, students could choose from more than 160 degree and certificate options, which include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

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

New to Arkansas?
New to Arkansas?

Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics, and more!

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