Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Territory until 1812. Then, it belonged to the Missouri Territory until 1819, when the U. S. government established the Arkansaw Territory. On June 15, 1836, Arkansas became the 25th state of the Union. Arkansas fought on the Confederate side during the Civil War. In 1864 and 1865, the state had both a Union and a Confederate government.

The name Arkansas comes from an Indian word that means "downstream people."

Arkansas is a Southern State with mountains, valleys, thick forests and fertile plains. The Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges in northern and western Arkansas are known as the Highlands. The Southern and Eastern portions are called the Lowlands.

Arkansas gets its nickname, "Land of Opportunity" from its many factories, farms, and mines amid rich natural resources.

Little Rock is the capital and largest city in Arkansas.

The state is famous for its spring waters. Mammoth Spring is one of the largest springs in the world. Hot Spring is a world-famous health center.

Murfreesboro is home to the only major diamond field in North America.