Date:
15 Jan 1815
Location:
Lawrence, Arkansas, United States
Surnames/tags:
lawrence_county_arkansas Arkansas us_history
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Welcome to the Lawrence County, Arkansas!
Lawrence County, Arkansas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was officially established on January 15, 1815, and named after Captain James Lawrence, a naval commander from the War of 1812. The county was part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and saw its first settlers around the 1810s.
In its early days, Lawrence County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being a significant crop. The county also played a role in the Civil War, witnessing skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Powhatan and the Skirmish at Pitman's Ferry. As with many regions during this time, the war brought significant disruption and change to the area.
Jonesboro, now the county seat of Craighead County, was initially part of Lawrence County and served as an important trading post and transportation hub due to its location on the Southwest Trail. The Southwest Trail was a prominent route used for migration and trade, connecting St. Louis, Missouri, to the Red River in Louisiana.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lawrence County experienced growth and development, especially with the expansion of railroads, which facilitated trade and transportation. The economy diversified beyond agriculture, incorporating industries like timber, mining, and manufacturing.
Like many rural areas, the county faced challenges during the Great Depression. However, it saw some recovery through various New Deal programs that aimed to provide relief and boost employment opportunities.
Over time, Lawrence County continued to evolve, adapting to changes in agriculture, industry, and societal shifts. Today, it retains its rural character while also embracing modern developments and industries, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Arkansas's counties.
Maps and Boundaries
Lawrence County is located in the northeastern part of the state of Arkansas. It is bordered by the following counties:
Communities
Cities
Towns
Census-designated place
| Annieville | Denton | Jesup | Laur
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| Murta | Richwoods | Sloan
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Unincorporated Communities
Townships:
Historical Communities
| Bessie | Canton | College City | Evening Shade
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| Egypt | Fernald | Hazel Grove | Jackson
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| Lesterville | Opposition | Red Bank | Reeds Creek
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| Scott | Worill
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Military History
Civil War
Lawrence County, Arkansas, like many regions during the Civil War, experienced its share of conflict and tensions. While it wasn't a major battleground, the county was not immune to the war's impact.
Lawrence County was divided in its loyalties, with residents split between supporting the Union and the Confederacy, leading to internal strife. Guerrilla warfare and skirmishes between Confederate sympathizers and Unionist factions were common, contributing to a sense of unrest and instability in the area.
One notable event was the Skirmish at Smithville on January 19, 1863. This clash occurred when Confederate forces, under Colonel Robert C. Newton, attacked and captured a Union detachment stationed in Smithville. The Confederates succeeded in taking around 100 prisoners, capturing supplies, and dispersing the Union forces. However, these skirmishes were relatively localized and didn't significantly alter the course of the war.
Lawrence County's strategic location, situated between the Union-held areas of Missouri and Confederate strongholds in Arkansas, made it a contested region. While major battles didn't occur within the county itself, the presence of opposing sympathies among its inhabitants led to intermittent clashes, raids, and struggles for control throughout the war years.
Regiments/Units
During the Civil War, Lawrence County, Arkansas, contributed men to various military units affiliated with both the Confederacy and the Union:
Confederate Units
- 7th Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment: This regiment, organized in Smithville on June 16, 1861, had a significant enlistment count of 1,250 men initially.
- 1st Arkansas Infantry Regiment: A Confederate unit formed early in the war, comprised of infantry soldiers.
- 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles, Company E: Mounted rifles unit that operated within the Confederate forces.
- 8th Battalion, Arkansas Infantry, Companies C and G: A battalion consisting of infantry companies, contributing to the Confederate cause.
- 38th Arkansas Infantry Regiment:# Another infantry regiment that included men from Lawrence County, serving under the Confederate banner.
- 45th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment:A cavalry unit raised in Arkansas, possibly comprising men from Lawrence County, supporting the Confederate Army.
- 25th Militia Regiment, 60th Militia Regiment, 61st Militia Regiment: These militia regiments, though not regular Confederate units, may have included local forces organized to support the Confederacy in a more localized capacity.
- 8th Militia Brigade: Likely a part of the broader militia organization supporting the Confederate effort at the local level.
Union Units
- 3rd Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, Company C and E: This regiment, despite being formed in Arkansas, aligned with the Union forces. Companies C and E of this regiment may have had recruits from Lawrence County who chose to fight for the Union cause amidst the divided loyalties in the area.
These units showcase the diverse affiliations and allegiances present within Lawrence County, Arkansas, during the tumultuous years of the Civil War, reflecting the complex dynamics and divisions within the region.
Civil War Markers
- The Men of the 7th AR Volunteer Infantry Regiment - Arkansas, Lawrence County, Smithville: This memorial honors the men of the 7th AR Volunteer Infantry Regiment CSA, organized in Smithville on June 16, 1861. Notably, this unit started with a significant count of 1,250 men, making it one of the larger units organized during the Civil War.
Various Wars/Service
- Company A, 2nd Battalion Memorial: This marker pays tribute to the men of the Arkansas National Guard Company A, 2nd Battalion stationed in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, acknowledging their selfless service.
- In Memory of the Young Men who made the Supreme Sacrifice Killed while training to serve their country - Army Air Force Basic Flying School, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas: This memorial commemorates the young men who lost their lives while training at the Army Air Force Basic Flying School in Walnut Ridge, emphasizing their dedication to serving the country.
Various Military Service
- Walnut Ridge, Arkansas - Duty Called...They Answered: This marker lists three men from different branches of the military and their distinguished service:
- CMSGT Gerald C. Freligh Sr. USAF: Served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Maj. Gerald C. Freligh Jr. USA: Served in the Special Forces "Green Beret" in various regions.
- Cpl. David L. Freligh USMC: Served in the US Marine Corps, assigned to specific battalions and stations, including notable service at MCAS Cherry Point, NC.
Festival and Tourism Events
The Black Rock Foothills Festival in Imboden, Arkansas, serves as a vibrant celebration, showcasing a range of activities and entertainment. Anchored by the famous Ham and Bean Supper and Pancake Breakfast, the festival offers a diverse lineup of musical performances featuring various artists. Alongside the music, attendees can enjoy a car show displaying vintage and unique vehicles. The event also includes engaging vendors offering crafts, food, and other goods. Additionally, go-kart racing adds an exciting element to the festivities, providing entertainment for all ages.
"Beatles at the Ridge" in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, is an annual festival celebrating the iconic music and cultural impact of The Beatles. This event typically features live musical performances honoring the legendary band. Visitors can enjoy Beatles-themed entertainment, tribute bands, and various activities paying homage to the music and legacy of The Beatles. It often includes art exhibits, guest speakers, merchandise vendors, and opportunities for Beatles enthusiasts to gather and celebrate the band's enduring influence.
Apart from these specific festivals, Lawrence County, Arkansas, hosts various other annual events and gatherings that highlight the community's heritage, culture, and interests. These may include agricultural fairs, local parades, heritage celebrations, craft fairs, and seasonal events that bring together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the county's unique character and traditions.
Historical Landmarks
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| Bethel Cemetery
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- Bethel Cemetery - adjacent to the Bethel Church and Bethel School the cemetery is located in Denton Community. Bethel Cemetery contains 614 burials dating from as early as 1835 to present. Only 433 have markers with inscribed headstones. The unmarked 181 burials have a simple fieldstone. The cemetery is the final resting place for many early, pioneering families who settled in the area.
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| Dr. F.W. Buercklin House
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- Dr. F. W. Buercklin House - It is an L-plan Plain Traditional house on Main Street in Portia, Arkansas. It served the community as a grocery store, doctor's office and home. It is believed to be the oldest building still remaining in Portia and was built around the 1880s.
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| Building Number 29
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- Building Number 29 - The Walnut Ridge Air Force Base Building #29 is an example of a United States Army Air Force hangar constructed in the World War II era. The large, one-story metal-framed hangar was built in 1942 and is one of five intact DH-1 plan hangars constructed in Arkansas that are from the WWII era. Its significance is its association as a type DH-1 airplance hangar and as part of the historic context "We've Gotta Get Tough": History of World War II Home Front Efforts in Arkansas, 1941-1946 as part of the air training facilities, hangars, runways, and associated buildings on the base for that period. The hanger was designed by Havens and Emerson out of Cleveland, Ohio and built by Forcum-James of Dyersburg, Tennessee.
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| Cache River Bridge
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- Cache River Bridge - The bridge is a Parker pony truss that spans the Cache River between Walnut Ridge and Paragould, Arkansas. It was designed by Vincennes Bridge Company and built in 1934 by the Arknasas State Highway. Commission. The bridge carried Arkansas Highway 25 over the river until it was replaced by U.S. Route 412 in 1982.
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| Clover Bend High School
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- Clover Bend High School - Constructed between 1937 and 1938 it is one of several education structures built by the Farm Security Administration as part of the Clover Bend Project. Since its construction it has functioned as the educational and social center of the community. The Clover Bend was a federally sponsored agricultural settlement project in the 1930's that help small farmers during the Depression era.
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| Commandant's House
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- Commandant's House - located at 264 McCellan Drive in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The one-story house was built in 1942 in the Colonial Revival style. Designed and built by the United States Army for use as the Commanding Officer's house on the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School. The house was later used as the residence of H. E. Williams, the founder of the Williams Baptist Colledge until his death in 1998.
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| Ficklin-Imboden House
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- Ficklin-Imboden House - is a simple log constructed in the Midland building tradition. It is the earliest surviving building in Powhatan that dates back to 1850. It is one of the last remants of what was once the busiest part of town in one of the most important trading ports in northeast Arkansas. It is an example of the type of residential architecture in Powhatan during that period.
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| Dr. John Octavius Hatcher House
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- Dr. John Octavius Hatcher House - It is a two-story frame house constructed in 1902-1903 in the transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revival style of architecture. The house was a wedding gift by Dr. J. W. Dalton of Randolph County to his daughter Nellie, who married Dr. John Octavius Hatcher.
- Dr. W. J. Hatcher was Imboden's first resident physician, a graduate of Vanderbuilt University's medical school in 1875. At the time of construction it was one of the finest houses in Imboden.
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| Home Economics F.F.A. Building
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- Home Economics - F.F.A. Building - a single story, stone masonry community/school building designed in the simple, Rustic style common to public works projects during the 1930s. It is significant for its association with the National Youth Administration, the youth arm of President Franklin Roosevelt's Depression-era economic relief program, the Works Project Administration (WPA), and for its status as the best local example of a building built in indigenous stone which was popular with the WPA throughout Arkansas.
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| Imboden Methodist Episcopal Church, South
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- Imboden Methodist Episcopal Church, South - is a historic church at 113 Main Street in Imboden, Arkansas. It is a two-story brick building with Classical Revival styling. Designed by the Reverend James Glover, a former contractor and constructed in 1922.
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| Lawrence County Courthouse
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- Lawrence County Courthouse - located at 315 West Main Street in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. It is a single-story building, finished in brick with cast stone trim. It was designed by the Arkansas firm Erhart, Eichenbaum, Rauch and Blass and built in 1965-66. It represents a New Formalism style of architecture for that period.
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| Walnut Ridge Station
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- Walnut Ridge Station - is a train staion in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Originally built for Missouri Pacific Railroad station it is currently used by Amtrak. It first opened in 1908.
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| Mount Zion Cemetery
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- Mount Zion Cemetery - is a rural cemetery in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. At least 360 burials have taken place at the cemetery and 276 of them are marked graves. The oldest marked grave dates back to 1875. A number of the graves are distinctive for their Woodmen of the World markings. The headstones were made by a geographically diverse group of carvers from St. Louis and Appleton City, Missouri; Cairo, Illinois; Humboldt, Tennessee; and Little Rock and Newport, Arknasas.
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| U.S. Route 67 in Arkansas
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- U.S. Route 67 in Arkansas - is a U.S. highway running from Presidio, Texas northeast to Sabula, Iowa. In Arkansas, the route runs 279.15 miles. Built in the 1920s. The section that runs north from Alicia to Hoxie is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Old Walnut Ridge Post Office
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- Old Walnut Ridge Post - Built in 1935, the Old Walnut Ridge Post Office is a one-and-a-half story, brick-constructed government building with a full basement. It is of a Colonial Revival style and now serves as The Times Dispatch newspaper.
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| Portia School
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- Portia School - It is a two-story brick structure built in the 1914. It is an example of an early 20th century school building. It opened for classes in 1915 and served all grades until 1948. The land now surrounding the building is a town park. For a number of years this park as been a community focal point and often draws crowds that exceed 10,000 for public events.
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| Powhatan Courthouse
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- Powhatan Courthouse - The courthouse was built in 1888 and served as home for county governmnt until 1869. Today it is located within a state park and serves as a vistor center. At the time Powhatan served as an important stop for traffic on the Black River until the rail road lines were laid in 1883 which decreased the need for river transportation.
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| Powhatan Jail
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- Powhatan Jail - The jail is located just a short walk from the courthouse and is now located within a state park. It is a small single-story limestone and concrete structure with a hip roof that has a cupola-like raised central section. The jail was build in 1873, and is the only structure to survive since the time of the first courthouse. From 1935 to 1937 the building was used as a cannery by the Home Demostration Club (today's Home Extension Service).
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| Powhatan Methodist Church
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- Powhatan Methodist Church - The church building was built in 1872. It is a one story fram structure with a gable roof. The front doorway is the only entrance to the building. The housing for a bell was added to the exterior of the building in recent years.
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| Powhatan Schoolhouse
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- Powhatan Schoolhouse - is a single-story wood-frame strucuture, with a side gable roof and a projecting front gable section. It has a vestibule area and is a two-room schoolhouse. It was built in 1888, replacing an earlier log structure.
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| St. Louis-San Francisco Bridge
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- St. Louis-San Francisco Overpass - located on U.S. highway 62 in Imboden, Arkansas. Designed in 1936 and built in 1937 by C. F. Lytle of Sioux City, Iowa by the State Highway Department. It is an example of a steel deck truss with concrete deck bridge.
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| Scott Cemetery
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- Scott Cemetery - is a historic cemetery on Arkansas Highway 91 in southeastern Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. There are 101 burials in the cemetery, 30 of them are unmarked and the oldest marked burial dates back to 1910s. The cemetery was established as a burial ground for local African-Americans during the Jim Crow era of the south and includes at least eight graves of known former slaves.
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| Smithville Public School Building
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- Smithville Public School Building - is a single-story, T-shaped structure built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Designed in the Plain Traditional style. The building is a historic example of "The Evolution of the Public School System in the Arkansas Ozarks, 1920-1940". It is now used as fire station offices.
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| Telephone Exchange Building
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- Commercial Telephone Exchange Building - is a single story brick building in Powhatan, Arkansas. It has three simple bays on the front with a segmented-arch opening for windows and a central door. It was built in 1880s and is the only surviving commercial building of historic Powhatan. It served as the first telephone exchange for the city, and later was used as a doctor's offie, general store, post office, an private residence.
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| Walnut Ridge Army Airfield Access Road
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- Walnut Ridge Army Airfield Access Road - is a historic roadway segment near College City, Arkansas. It is .75 miles of Fulbright Avenue concrete surface with gravel shoulders. The roadway is par of the original main access road to the Walnut Ridge Army Airfield taht was built in 1942-43. It is an example of the type of road structure for this period.
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| Walnut Ridge Commerical Historic District
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- Walnut Ridge Commercial Historic District - encompasses the historic downtown area of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The buildings consist of vernacular commercial architeture dating to the late 19th century and early 20th century.
National Protected Areas
Lawrence County, Arkansas, does not contain any federally recognized national parks or protected lands within its boundaries. However, the county does have access to natural areas and state parks nearby, offering outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
While there might not be federally designated national parks within Lawrence County, neighboring areas in Arkansas do offer protected lands and recreational spaces. For instance, Crowley's Ridge State Park, located in nearby Greene County, is within reasonable driving distance from Lawrence County. This state park showcases the unique geological features of Crowley's Ridge and offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature exploration.
The absence of a national park within Lawrence County doesn't diminish the access to outdoor activities and natural landscapes that are available in the region, as Arkansas boasts various state parks, forests, and natural areas that residents and visitors can enjoy.
Notables
- Robert Clifford Brown, widely recognized by his stage name Washboard Sam, was born on July 15, 1910 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He remains a notable figure in American music history as a revered blues musician and vocalist. Washboard Sam made a significant impact in the blues genre, particularly through his adeptness in playing the washboard percussion instrument. His contributions as a skilled musician and singer resonated within the blues community, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the development and popularization of blues music during the mid-20th century.
- Mary H. (Couts) Barnett was born in Lawrence County, Arkansas around 1856. She is a distinguished philanthropist, known for her substantial impact on education through her generous donation to Texas Christian University (TCU). Her significant contribution was to TCU. This benevolent act led to the establishment of the esteemed Mary Couts Burnett Library, a lasting testament to her commitment to advancing education and empowering future generations through learning and knowledge acquisition.
- Mary (Smith) Jones was born July 24, 1819 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. She remains a notable historical figure recognized as the final First Lady of the Republic of Texas, married to Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic. Her esteemed position in Texas history was further solidified when she became the inaugural president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1891, signifying her dedication to preserving and honoring the state's heritage. Her roles as a prominent figure in the Republic's final leadership and her pivotal role in founding a significant organization dedicated to preserving Texas's legacy contribute to her enduring legacy in Texas history and cultural preservation efforts.
- Allie Elizabeth (Dent) Martin was born June 28, 1914 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. She is an eminent figure in American library science, and has carved an enduring legacy as an influential librarian, educator, politician, and author. Renowned as the inaugural director of the Tulsa City-County Library from 1963 until her passing in 1976, Martin left an indelible mark through her groundbreaking library enhancement initiatives. Her noteworthy contributions earned her recognition as one of the 100 most influential individuals in library science by American Libraries in 1990, underscoring her profound impact on the evolution and advancement of library programs and services. Her innovative approaches and dedicated leadership continue to resonate within the library community, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in library science and education.
- Barney Bryan Sellers was born on March 28, 1926, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He was a native of Walnut Ridge in Lawrence County, carved a notable legacy as a professional photographer, garnering acclaim and accolades throughout his career. His remarkable eye for capturing the essence of Arkansas's rural landscapes, including barns, old houses, and scenic vistas, not only earned him widespread admiration, but also attracted numerous admirers and aspiring photographers to northeastern Arkansas and the Ozarks. His profound dedication to preserving the visual narrative of these regions garnered significant attention, culminating in a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1973, a testament to Sellers' artistry and the profound impact of his evocative photography on capturing the essence of rural Arkansas.
- Stanley Miller Williams was born on April 8, 1930 in Hoxie, Arkansas. He was an eminent figure in American literature, distinguished himself as a prolific contemporary poet, educator, translator, and editor, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. With a remarkable catalog of over 25 published books and accolades for his poetic prowess, Williams's achievements were notably chronicled in Arkansas Biography, affirming his influential role in the literary realm. His honor to read a poem at Bill Clinton's second presidential inauguration further underscores his significance in poetry circles. Notably, his acclaimed piece "The Shrinking Lonesome Sestina" remains a testament to his poetic brilliance. Additionally, his familial tie to the esteemed singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams adds depth to his legacy, enriching the cultural heritage of American arts and letters.
- Rogers Hornsby Wright was born January 27, 1927 in Hoxie, Arkansas. He emerged as a prominent figure in American psychology and writing, earning recognition as the "Father of Professional Psychology" for his tireless efforts to advance the field's recognition as a specialized discipline. His pivotal role as co-founder and inaugural president of the Committee for the Advancement of Psychological Professions and Sciences underscored his commitment to elevating professional psychology's status. Wright's profound contributions were acknowledged with the esteemed American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to Applied Psychology as a Professional Practice in 1985, amplifying his lasting impact on the field. His tenure as the president of the American Psychological Association's Division 12 (the Society of Clinical Psychology) in 1988 further solidified his influential legacy in clinical psychology and professional practice.
Records and Resources
Sources
- Wikipedia contributors. Lawrence County, Arkansas. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. December 14, 2023, 16:55 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lawrence_County,_Arkansas&oldid=1189883331. Accessed January 8, 2024.
- Jacobsen, John G., Williams Baptist University, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Revised 2022, Sesser, David, Southeastern Louisiana University, last updated 13 Jul 2023. "Lawrence County." Accessed 7 Jul 2024.
- Bureau of the Census. “Lawrence County section of Arkansas Minor Civil Divisions map.” in the United States Census of Population 1930.42, Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 1934.
- Heathstone Legacy Publications, (n.d.). "Lawrence County, Arkansas History and Genealogy." Accessed 7 Jan 2024.
- The Historical Marker Database (HMdb), (n.d.). "The Civil War in Lawrence County / Skirmishes in Lawrence County." Accessed 7 Jan 2024.
- Wikipedia contributors. 7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. November 29, 2023, 13:10 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=7th_Arkansas_Infantry_Regiment&oldid=1187472953. Accessed January 8, 2024.
- Wikipedia contributors. 1st Arkansas 30 Day Volunteer Regiment. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. November 16, 2023, 14:42 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1st_Arkansas_30_Day_Volunteer_Regiment&oldid=1185404685. Accessed January 8, 2024.
- Wikipedia contributors. 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 8, 2023, 07:38 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1st_Arkansas_Mounted_Rifles&oldid=1174408284. Accessed January 8, 2024.
- FamilySearch, Lawrence County, Arkansas Genealogy, updated 1 Sep 2023. "Lawrence County, Arkansas Genealogy." Accessed 7 Jan 2024.
- Wikipedia contributors. Arkansas Militia in the Civil War. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. August 11, 2023, 10:30 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arkansas_Militia_in_the_Civil_War&oldid=1169800969. Accessed January 8, 2024.
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