1. In 1863, Confederate forces under General Sterling Price began their invasion of Arkansas, starting with a victory at the Battle of Bayou Fourche near Little Rock. This marked a turning point in the Civil War in Arkansas.

2. On September 1, 1953, Little Rock Central High School admitted its first African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine. This event sparked nationwide attention and helped to advance the civil rights movement in the United States.

3. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Hot Springs, Arkansas, to dedicate the new national park there. Hot Springs National Park is the smallest national park in the United States, but it boasts the world's largest collection of thermal water in public use.

4. On September 1, 1982, the Ozark Folk Center opened in Mountain View, Arkansas, showcasing the state's traditional music, crafts, and culture. Today, the center hosts concerts, workshops, and other events that celebrate the unique heritage of the Ozark Mountains.

5. The Arkansas State Fair traditionally begins on the first Friday in October, but it opens its gates early on September 1 for a preview night featuring reduced admission and special events. The state fair has been a beloved Arkansan tradition since 1938, offering rides, games, livestock shows, and more.