The first inhabitants of Arkansas fertile ground were the Native Indians (and of course the wildlife!). The Indians moved from caves to permanent farms, they started agriculture besides the killing and eating wild animals.

In 1541 a Spanish explorer, Hernando De Soto became the first European to set foot on this soil. The first European settlement was set in 1686 by Henry De Tonti with six persons. He is thus called the "Father of Arkansas."

Population increased considerably in the 19th Century. Arkansas was drawn into the civil War in May 1861 and the reason for this War was to get out of the control of the US and start its own Government.

Lots of development was seen in the following 25 years ie. Telephone, Electricity and Water was provided to its residents. The City Sewer System made life easier for its people. 500 miles of Rail Track was laid. Many Schools and Colleges also started coming up. Unofficially, Arkansas used to be labelled the 'Land of Oppertunities' around 1875.'

The 20th century saw more developments in all fields e.g. Radio, Airplanes, Talking movies and life changed dramatically after TVs came. Then the Government found Oil and Gas reserves in Arkansas. Taxes were levied on them and the income generated was used to promote the condition of paved roads. The whole Infrastructure was improved.

In 1904 the Farmers learnt that they could grow rice too and this led to a huge increase in their income. The Livestock and Dairy also increased a lot. There is a fragile compromise among Industrialists and Farmers for over 90 years.

In the last 500 years Arkansas has come from a Wild West to a more sophisticated State of Farming, Lumbering, Manufacturing and Tourism.

Herman Davis State Park is a one acre small Park surrounding the monument of Herman Davis, a World War I hero. He received many gallantry awards after the War from both the American and French Governments.

Louisiana Purchase State Park is the Center point for purchasing property in the States of Lee, Monroe and Philips Counties. These 36 acres Farm have a Head Water Swamp, something that is ecologically disappearing fast.

Old Davidsonville State Park was made in 1815. Arkansas's first Post-Office, Courthouse and Land office is there and Fishing is a major activity in this area as the Site borders with the Black River and a 12 acre Fishing Lake. Offering Boat Docks, Fishing and Pedal Boats and Barrier free Fishing pier. Facilities include a Camping Site, Picnic Areas, Hiking, Playgrounds and two standard Pavilions.

Dining at Williams Tavern Restaurant, Steam Powered Cotton-Gin and a visit to the Print Museum may also be included in tours. If you want to explore Arkansas historically and genealogically then go to South West Arkansas Regional Archives.

The only cave system operated and maintained by the US government is Blanchard Springs Caverns and it comes in the top 10 of North America. It's open the year around and offers two tours to the Massive Underground Spectacle.

Good fun is provided by theaters to people of every age at the Aerospace Education Center. Exhibition of American/Russian space hardware, Antique Aircraft, Aerospace Library and a gift Shop awaits you.

In Little Rock Zoo you will find over 600 different Birds, Reptiles, Mammals and Amphibians. They are enclosed in open areas and Wild Protection Area building.

Many things to do in Arkansas as you can see - so visit soon.

Author: Devinder Patel