1. On August 2, 1862, the Battle of Prairie Grove took place in northwest Arkansas, resulting in a Union victory over Confederate forces. This battle was one of the largest in the state during the Civil War.

2. In 1912, the first Arkansas State Fair opened in Little Rock on August 2. The fair has since become an annual tradition, showcasing agriculture, livestock, and entertainment.

3. On August 2, 1937, African American sharecroppers in Lee County, Arkansas formed a union with the help of the Southern Tenant Farmers' Union, protesting against low wages and poor working conditions. This event marked a significant moment in the history of labor rights in Arkansas.

4. The town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas was founded on August 2, 1879, known for its historic architecture and natural hot springs. Today, it is a popular tourist destination in the Ozark Mountains.

5. On August 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, enshrining equal rights and protections for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. Although this historic legislation was not specific to Arkansas, it had a profound impact on the state and the nation as a whole.