Arkansas

Arkansas was admitted into the Union on June 15, 1836. Arkansas was acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and later became the Arkansas Territory before gaining statehood. The Arkansas quarter design bears the image of rice stalks, a diamond and a mallard gracefully flying above a lake. It is fitting that the "Natural State," Arkansas's official nickname, chose images of natural resources. Arkansas has an abundance of clear streams, rivers and lakes. In fact, Arkansas has more than 600,000 acres of natural lakes. Arkansas is also known for its sportsmanship and boasts mallard hunting as a main attraction for hunters across the nation.

Visitors to Arkansas can search Crater of Diamonds State Park for precious gems including, of course, diamonds. The mine at Crater of Diamonds State Park reportedly is the oldest diamond mine in North America, and the only one in the United States open to the public. Visitors get to keep what they find. Visitors can also experience "Rice Fever" in Arkansas-just the way W.H. Fuller did when he grew the first commercially successful rice crop in Arkansas. Soon after, thousands of acres of the Grand Prairie were changed to cultivate rice, and Arkansas became the leading producer of the grain in the United States.

SUBJECT: DESCRIPTION: US RANKING:
Population: 2.5 Million 33
Land Area: 52,000 sq mi 27
Highest Point: Magazine Mountain (2,753 feet) 34
Largest City: Little Rock (0.54 Million) 90
Capital: Little Rock --


Whether relaxing in hot springs or searching for diamonds, Arkansas is a gem among the central plains. A state that contains the only diamond mine in the continental United States located at Crater of Diamonds State Park. A place where you can search for, possibly find, and keep, real diamonds. In addition, there are spectacular quartz crystals found from Little Rock west to the state line. Hunted by lone prospectors and mined by several small companies. The quartz crystal is Arkansas' state rock.

The most important mineral economically however is not diamonds or quartz but aluminum. Arkansas produces 90% of the nation's aluminum (bauxite). In agriculture, Arkansas is ranked first in poultry; first in rice; and fourth in total cotton production. Arkansas together with Texas, California, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana produce 80% of all the cotton in the United States.

Since the 1992 Presidential election, Arkansas can boast another first from this state, its past governor and President elect Bill Clinton. Clinton is the first President elected from Arkansas. The former Governor of Arkansas came from a state with low taxes, inexpensive housing, and a low crime rate. Ingredients that are quickly making Arkansas one of the nation's most popular places to retire. With the high cost of living in Florida and California; most anticipate Arkansas, Arizona, and Nevada will lead the growth of retirement communities in the 21st century.

The state's outdoor recreational areas include Arkansas' 50 State Parks; the St. Francis, Ozark, and Ouachita National Forests; and the Hot Springs National Park. Arkansas contains eight Wild and Scenic Rivers. A number only preceded by only Oregon (46), Alaska (25), Michigan (16), and California (14). Arkansas' Buffalo Wild and Scenic River is arguably the most scenic river in the Midwest. Rivers whose origins begin at the state's many hot springs and meander across its borders.


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