Arkansas's rich heritage and history are woven throughout the state, much like the rich colors, patterns, and textures that are displayed throughout Arkansas's visual arts, architecture, and museums. This tapestry pieces together the stories associated with Arkansas's historic buildings, like the ever popular Old State House Museum and the little known Hinderliter Grog Shop, and is creatively expressed on stage and canvas in Arkansas's arts and music, as well as in dance and pottery. The folklore of the Arkansas people begins with Native American Indian tribes and the Trail of Tears and extends to powerful and famous politicians, including the first U.S. president to be elected from Arkansas. Annual heritage and cultural events offer fun for the entire family and passes on stories about Arkansas's heritage to future generations. Lesson plans, including the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 (in PDF format) and free teacher resources, enrich the classroom. Once you've gained some insight into Arkansas history, you'll enjoy testing that knowledge with our interactive trivia quiz. Reward yourself with some unique Arkansas wallpapers or download a free screensaver for your computer.
From the Arkansas Delta to the Ozark Mountains and all the Arkansas geographic regions in between, our heritage - with its varied patterns and incredible richness - is captured in the stories we pass on to successive generations. The stories of who we were and how we lived ground us firmly in the past and guide us confidently into the future. Someone must be responsible for this legacy to ensure Arkansas's history isn't lost. Since 1975, the Department of Arkansas Heritage has been promoting and coordinating the discovery, preservation and presentation of Arkansas's natural and cultural resources. Pull up a chair and sit a spell: We love to tell the story!
