Historical Events tagged with "arkansas"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

ATF and FBI Siege on Survivalist Compound

April 19th, 1985 39 years ago

In April 1985, over 200 ATF and FBI agents surrounded the compound of the white supremacist survivalist group known as The Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord in Arkansas. This standoff began as agents sought to enforce federal laws regarding firearms and other illegal activities. After two days of negotiation, the group ultimately surrendered, marking a significant moment in law enforcement's efforts to address extremist groups operating within the United States.

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Crime & Law

Gordon Kahl Killed in Shootout with Law Enforcement

June 4th, 1983 41 years ago

Gordon Kahl, a fugitive linked to the killing of two U.S. Marshals, met his demise in a shootout in Smithville, Arkansas. This confrontation occurred after a lengthy four-month manhunt across several states. Kahl's violent past and the ongoing search for him had captured national attention, culminating in this intense and tragic encounter with law enforcement.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Texas International Airlines Flight 655 Crash

September 27th, 1973 51 years ago

Texas International Airlines Flight 655 crashed into the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness near Mena, Arkansas, resulting in the loss of all 11 lives aboard. The flight was en route from Dallas to Mena when it encountered difficulties, leading to the tragic incident. The crash site was located deep within the wilderness area and presented challenges for the recovery efforts. Investigations followed to determine the cause of the crash and improve aviation safety measures.

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Economics & Industry

Walmart Opens Its First Store in Arkansas

July 2nd, 1962 62 years ago

The first Walmart store, then named Wal-Mart, opened its doors in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962. Founded by Sam Walton, the store aimed to provide customers with low prices and great value on a wide selection of merchandise. It was a new retail concept focused on discounting, which attracted significant attention from local shoppers who were eager for economical options. The opening marked a significant commitment to the town of Rogers and set the stage for a retail revolution that would change shopping habits across the nation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Integration of Central High School in Little Rock

September 25th, 1957 67 years ago

The integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, was a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. On this day, federal troops were deployed to enforce the enrollment of nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine. This action followed a tumultuous period of resistance from local authorities and violent protests from segregationists. The students faced hostility but demonstrated remarkable courage as they attended classes for the first time amidst a charged atmosphere, marking a significant step toward desegregation in public schools.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Eisenhower Sends Troops to Enforce Desegregation

September 24th, 1957 67 years ago

President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957 to enforce school desegregation following a crisis at Central High School. This decision was prompted by Governor Orval Faubus's use of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students from attending the school, igniting national outrage and highlighting the struggle for civil rights. Eisenhower's intervention was crucial in upholding federal authority and ensuring the enforcement of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Eisenhower Orders Troops for School Integration

September 23rd, 1957 67 years ago

In response to violent opposition to school integration in Little Rock, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division to support the enrollment of African American students at Little Rock Central High School. He also federalized the Arkansas National Guard to maintain order and enforce the Supreme Court's ruling on desegregation. This decisive action underscored the federal government's commitment to uphold civil rights during a time of heightened racial tensions in the South.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

National Guard Prevents School Desegregation in Arkansas

September 4th, 1957 67 years ago

In Little Rock, Arkansas, Governor Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School. This action was intended to uphold segregation and challenge federal court rulings that mandated integration in public schools. The students, known as the Little Rock Nine, faced hostility and violence, drawing national attention and leading to a significant legal battle over civil rights. The response from the federal government and the ensuing legal conflicts would shape the path of the civil rights movement.

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Politics & Government

Hattie Caraway Elected to the Senate

January 12th, 1932 93 years ago

Hattie Caraway was elected as the first woman to serve in the United States Senate, marking a significant milestone in American politics. Born in Tennessee, she began her political career in Arkansas, where she was serving as a congresswoman. Caraway won a special election to fill the vacancy left by her late husband, becoming a groundbreaking figure in gender representation in the U.S. legislature.

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