Arkansas Hunting Dogs

An Act to protect Dog-Raising in this State (1875) Whereas, We hold these truths to be self-evident that man and dogs have the inalienable right irrespective of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, to hunt the festive coon, the solemn possum, the odorous polecat, the squalling pig and the stupid sheep; and Whereas, HuntingContinue reading “Arkansas Hunting Dogs”

William Hines Furbush: African American Advocate for One of Arkansas’s First Game Laws

In 1879, in the halls of the Arkansas legislature, there was an argument about game laws concerning the birds and deer.  Lee County Representative William Hines Furbush introduced House Bill #22 to “aid in the preservation of birds, bird’s eggs and deer.”  Primarily aimed at the protection of quail and grouse, the bill also outlawedContinue reading “William Hines Furbush: African American Advocate for One of Arkansas’s First Game Laws”

Arkansas Bison, 1700-1840

I am still working on the research, folks, and I have found some interesting information concerning bison (or buffalo) in Arkansas. In 1541, when Hernando De Soto came through Arkansas, there were no bison. His men noted that they met tribes on the western edge of Arkansas who had buffalo hides and had informed themContinue reading “Arkansas Bison, 1700-1840”

“Calling Out” the Local Historical Societies

Taking a few minutes out of the day to post a bit about progress of research. I am “calling out” to every local county historical society in Arkansas to request materials from all of the good folks who volunteer and/or work at these organizations. It is quite amazing what a scholar can find right downContinue reading ““Calling Out” the Local Historical Societies”