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The area now known as Arkansas was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. Among these
were the Bluff Dwellers, Mound Builders, Folsom people, Caddos, Quapaws, Osage, Choctaw, and Cherokee
peoples.
Hernando De Soto became the first European to enter Arkansas in 1541, during his expedition for
gold. The French established the first European settlement on the lower Mississippi in what is now
Arkansas, in 1686; this was called the Arkansas Post. The U.S. gained the land in 1803 via the
Louisiana Purchase.
Arkansas became a U.S. territory in 1810, with Arkansas Post as its original capital; eventually
Little Rock became the capital. Arkansas became the 25th state in 1836. Following the Civil War,
recovery began and new railroads enabled the growth of towns. The state’s production of lumber from
rich forests, combined with the agricultural assets of the Delta region, helped Arkansas to enter the
new era. Arkansas then gained one of its nicknames, the "Land of Opportunity".
The 20th century witnessed many changes in the Natural State, including a diversification in the
economy. Manufacturing and industry became of greater importance. Today, Arkansas enjoys continued
endeavors to increase its diversity, with tourism as a major draw. The state shows promise in the
field of biotechnology and life science as it moves forward in the 21st century.
Many famous people have called Arkansas home. Among these are former president William Jefferson
Clinton, poet Maya Angelou, singer Glen Campbell, singer Johnny Cash, author John Grisham, actor Alan
Ladd, and General Douglas MacArthur.
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