These 12 Photos Of Arkansas From The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Rummaging through old photo albums is always a treat. It’s even better when the whole state gets covered. From iconic gatherings to interesting people, let’s take a look at some of Arkansas’ history through the early parts of the 1900s.
William Henry Kruse began a small mining operation on his family's farm in Rogers after having psychic revelations that gold would be found. The mine ran from 1902 until Kruse's death in 1925. Traces of gold were found but nothing substantial.
The capitol is just starting to look familiar during its construction in 1910. It took 16 years to complete.
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Fort Smith citizens gather as Theodore Roosevelt gives a campaign speech. He was running against against incumbent William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson.
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Over one hundred men prepare to leave for Europe during World War I at the Paragould Train Station.
This is the fire that destroyed the Yell Courthouse on April 21, 1913. The cause was unknown but thankfully no one was injured.
This is Ruth, the first elephant at the Little Rock Zoo. She was born in 1913 and lived to be 67 years old.
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Helon Arlitt was one of the first aircraft pilots in Arkansas. She belonged to the "Ninety-Nines," an organization of female pilots lead by president Amelia Earhart.
Here's the men's bath hall at Hale Bathhouse. It's the oldest building on Bathhouse Row now.
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The town of Smackover owes its existence to one of the largest oil discoveries in the nation. The 68-sq. mile oil field changed the economy's main production from cotton to oil. This photo was taken after the initial discovery of the Richardson No. 1 Well.
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was the most destructive and costly flood ever recorded in the state's history. The flood covered about 6,600 square miles (just in Arkansas) and put 48% of the state’s counties under water (like Lake Village here). The damages were estimated at over one billion dollars, which would be over a trillion by today's standards.
Yarnell's Ice Cream Headquarters in Searcy operated from 1932-2011. After filing for bankruptcy, Yarnell's was relaunched under different owners.
Here's the Interior of Information Office of Crescent Hotel when it was open as the Baker Hospital. That's Norman Baker sitting at the desk (yes, the same Baker that killed his patients and currently haunts the hotel).
What picture did you find most interesting? Did you have any family living in the area during the time? Share with us in the comments below!
If that made you want to visit a museum, you should check out the most peculiar, unique and oddly specific museums in Arkansas.
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