Interesting Facts About Arkansas

Arkansas is a state in the Southern region of the United States, known for its natural beauty and rich history. From its earliest settlement to its unique culture, Arkansas has a lot of fascinating facts that make it an interesting place to explore. Here are 30 top facts about Arkansas that you may not know.

1. Arkansas is the only state with an official pronunciation

The official pronunciation of Arkansas is ar-kan-saw. This can be traced back to the French settlers who named the state after the Quapaw Indians.

2. Arkansas is home to the only active diamond mine in North America

The Arkansas Diamond Mine is located near Murfreesboro and is the only active diamond mine in the United States. The mine produces around 25,000 carats of diamonds each year.

3. Arkansas is the birthplace of Walmart

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, was founded in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962.

4. Arkansas is home to the world’s largest operational steamboat

The Arkansas Queen is the world’s largest operational steamboat. It is located in Little Rock and offers daily cruises on the Arkansas River.

5. The first Walmart store was opened in Arkansas

The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 and is still operational today.

6. Arkansas was the first state to have an official state gemstone

In 1967, Arkansas became the first state to have an official state gemstone, which is the diamond.

7. Arkansas is home to the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge

The nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge was established in Arkansas in 1876. It is located in Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Arkansas.

8. Arkansas is the only state with an official state cooking vessel

In 1997, Arkansas became the only state with an official state cooking vessel, the Dutch oven.

9. Arkansas is home to the largest hot spring in the world

The largest hot spring in the world is located in Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. It is called the Grand Promenade and is over 400 feet long.

10. Arkansas is the only state with a diamond-shaped flag

The Arkansas state flag is the only one in the United States that is diamond-shaped. It was adopted in 1913 and features the state’s name, the state seal, and 25 stars.

11. Arkansas has the only active diamond mine in the United States

The only active diamond mine in the United States is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It is the only public diamond mine in the entire world.

12. Arkansas is home to the only active herd of American bison in the state

The only active herd of American bison in the state of Arkansas is located in the Ozark National forest. The herd consists of over 30 bison and is the only one in the state.

13. Arkansas is home to the only active diamond mine in North America

The Arkansas Diamond Mine is located near Murfreesboro and is the only active diamond mine in the United States. The mine produces around 25,000 carats of diamonds each year.

14. Arkansas is home to the world’s only public diamond mine

The Arkansas Diamond Mine is the only public diamond mine in the world. It is located near Murfreesboro and produces around 25,000 carats of diamonds each year.

15. Arkansas is the only state with an official gemstone and an official cooking vessel

In 1967, Arkansas became the first state to have an official state gemstone, which is the diamond. In 1997, Arkansas also became the only state with an official state cooking vessel, the Dutch oven.

16. Arkansas is home to the only operational steamboat on the Arkansas River

The Arkansas Queen is the world’s largest operational steamboat. It is located in Little Rock and offers daily cruises on the Arkansas River.

17. Arkansas is home to the first National Wildlife Refuge in the nation

The nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge was established in Arkansas in 1876. It is located in Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Arkansas.

18. Arkansas was the first state to have an official state dinosaur

In 1973, Arkansas became the first state to have an official state dinosaur, the Arkansaurus. It is a species of dinosaur that lived in the Arkansas River Valley during the Early Cretaceous period.

19. Arkansas was the first state to have an official state musical instrument

In 1985, Arkansas became the first state to have an official state musical instrument, the fiddle.

20. Arkansas is home to the only operating 19th century cotton gin in the United States

The only operating 19th century cotton gin in the United States is located in Scott, Arkansas and is operated by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

21. Arkansas is home to the first National Park in the United States

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas was established in 1832 and is the first National Park in the United States. It is also the only National Park in a city.

22. Arkansas is the only state in the United States where diamonds can be found naturally

The only place in the United States where diamonds can be found naturally is at the Arkansas Diamond Mine near Murfreesboro.

23. The first permanent European settlement in Arkansas was established in 1686

The first permanent European settlement in Arkansas was established in 1686 by Henri de Tonti. It was located near the Arkansas River and was called Arkansas Post.

24. Arkansas is home to the only active herd of American bison in the state

The only active herd of American bison in the state of Arkansas is located in the Ozark National forest. The herd consists of over 30 bison and is the only one in the state.

25. Arkansas is the only state with a diamond-shaped state flag

The Arkansas state flag is the only one in the United States that is diamond-shaped. It was adopted in 1913 and features the state’s name, the state seal, and 25 stars.

26. Arkansas is the birthplace of the blues

Arkansas is the birthplace of the blues, with many of the genre’s earliest musicians hailing from the state.

27. Arkansas is home to the only operational 19th century cotton gin in the United States

The only operating 19th century cotton gin in the United States is located in Scott, Arkansas and is operated by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

28. Arkansas is home to the only operating 19th century grist mill in the United States

The only operating 19th century grist mill in the United States is located in Brinkley, Arkansas and is operated by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

29. Arkansas is the only state with an official state fish

In 1981, Arkansas became the only state to have an official state fish, the largemouth bass.

30. Arkansas is home to the Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River in Arkansas is the first National River in the United States. It is also the only river in the United States that is completely surrounded by National Park land.

Conclusion

From its interesting history to its unique culture, Arkansas is a fascinating place to explore. These 30 top facts about Arkansas give you a glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, take some time to learn more about Arkansas.