1. Arkansas was not yet a state when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. However, the state played a significant role in the American Revolution. Many Arkansans fought in the war and contributed to the cause of Independence.

2. The Independence Day celebrations in Arkansas gained popularity after the Civil War. The state would hold patriotic parades, fireworks and picnics on July 4.

3. The famous Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock was dedicated on July 4, 2004, by President Bill Clinton. The center is a library and museum, housing archives and exhibits dedicated to the 42nd president of the United States.

4. The state has a rich history of baseball, and on July 4, 1944, the Little Rock Travelers set a record for most runs in a single game in the Southern Association, scoring 27 runs against the New Orleans Pelicans.

5. July 4, 1917, is an important date in the history of aviation in Arkansas. That day, the United States Army established the first flight training school in the state in Fort Smith. Over the years, the Fort Smith Regional Airport has continued to serve as an important aviation facility for the state.