1. In 1957, nine African American students – known as the “Little Rock Nine” – attempted to enter Little Rock Central High School but were met with violent opposition from white protesters. This event became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights in America.
2. On August 16, 1838, Arkansas Governor James Sevier Conway signed the Cherokee Nation v. Georgia Act, which denied the Cherokee Nation’s claim to its ancestral lands in Georgia and led to the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans in what became known as the Trail of Tears.
3. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Industrial Recovery Act, which established the National Recovery Administration. The state of Arkansas was one of the first to adopt the NRA codes.
4. On August 16, 1900, Arkansas Governor Jeff Davis was indicted for embezzlement and other illegal activities. He was later acquitted of all charges.
5. The town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was incorporated on August 16, 1880. The town became known for its natural springs and was a popular destination for those seeking healing and relaxation. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and known for its Victorian architecture.