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This Day in Arkansas History

May 16, 1917

Author Ruth McEnery Stuart died in New York. Stuart produced a body of fiction and poetry based on her experiences in Arkansas. She was one of the most successful fiction writers of her time and, in recent years, has been studied by feminist and social literary critics. In academic terms, Stuart belongs to the school of American local color writing that emphasizes regional characteristics in landscape, way of life, and language. Her works draw on three main threads of her experience: the white “plain folk” of Washington, the immigrants and aristocrats of New Orleans, and African Americans in the South.

Learn more about Mary Routh McEnery Stuart

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Crowley's Ridge State Park

In 1933, Crowley’s Ridge State Park in northeast Arkansas became the fourth state park to open in the state. Always a popular campground due to a freshwater spring, the area was further developed later that same year by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This 1948 photo shows a boy fishing in the three-and-one-half-acre lake, which is today exclusively reserved for swimming. In the background is one of the stone structures built by the CCC.

 

In 1933, Crowley’s Ridge State Park in northeast Arkansas became the fourth state park to open in the state. Always a popular campground due to a freshwater spring, the area was further developed later that same year by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This 1948 photo shows a boy fishing in the three-and-one-half-acre lake, which is today exclusively reserved for swimming. In the background is one of the stone structures built by the CCC.

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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, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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