Arkansas History, Legends Entwined by Colorful Past
June 2003

By Craig Ogilvie, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

As Arkansas celebrates its role in the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, it seems appropriate to briefly review some of the state’s most famous and legendary stories from the past.

First, the name “Arkansas” has been the subject of debate since early explorers attempted to translate native languages into French, Spanish and English.

According to historians, Arkansas is the French attempt to write Quapaw, the name of a Native American tribe living along the lower Arkansas River when missionary Jacques Marquette made his visit in 1673. His journals recorded the name as “Arkansoa.” When Sieur de LaSalle claimed the region for France in 1682, he wrote “Arkensa.” And Henri de Tonti, the Italian who established the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley at Arkansas Post in 1686, preferred “Arkancas.”

Bernard de la Harpe, the Frenchman who explored the Red and Arkansas rivers during the early 1700s, is credited with today’s spelling. During pioneer days, though, both “Arkansas” and “Arkansaw” were acceptable in most quarters – with one exception. Territorial Governor George Izard firmly believed the spelling should be “Arkansa.” When he took office in 1825, Gov. Izard was confronted with an inventory of documents imprinted “Territory of Arkansas.” Being obliged to use them before procuring a new printing, it is said the governor often carefully erased the final “s” from Arkansas before he signed a legal document.

The tale that a heated discussion erupted in the state Legislature concerning the pronunciation of Arkansas is unfounded. The legend apparently stemmed from a humorous speech called “Change the Name of Arkansas?,” which circulated in several versions during the late 19th century. Though never delivered in the General Assembly, the story may have resulted from a Legislative resolution in 1881 that proclaimed the rightful pronunciation of the last syllable. Thus it was written “Arkansas” and pronounced “Ark-an-SAW.”

The “Arkansas Traveler” is the state’s most famous piece of pure folklore. It spins a tale of a city gentleman who becomes lost in the Arkansas wilderness during the 1840s. His encounter with a cantankerous backwoods squatter produced a story that became a stage comedy, playing from New Orleans to Boston.

Sanford C. Faulkner, a farmer and political powerbroker in 19th century Arkansas, is usually credited with creating the original story and fiddle tune. Faulkner often spoke at gatherings on behalf of his favorite political candidates, adding humorous remarks and music to entertain the crowds. Eventually, the tale prompted a youthful Arkansas artist, Edward Payson Washburn, to render his version of the “Traveler” scene in 1858. Several lithographs followed and continue to be popular with print collectors. Washburn’s oil painting is permanently displayed at the Arkansas History Commission in Little Rock. Colorful adaptations of the story appeared in periodicals and books for more than a century.

Today, the legendary Arkansas Traveler tale lives on in several forms. The state’s most distinguished visitors are often awarded “Arkansas Traveler” certificates, making them honorary ambassadors for The Natural State; athletic teams and publications carry the name; and a theater production at Hardy has used the name since 1968.

The story of the razorback hog existed in Arkansas for more than a century before the University at Fayetteville adopted it as their official athletic mascot. This fabled animal actually roamed the backwoods and canebrakes of the state long enough to evolve into one of its most fearsome creatures.

It is probable that Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and his expedition brought the first swine to the Mississippi Valley region. The animals most likely were bartered or strayed from the expedition route and into Arkansas. After many generations in the wilderness, the hogs became thin, long-legged and mean. The beasts developed long snouts with protruding tusks for rooting and fighting. The name “razorback” referred to the hog’s sharp backbone, which was accented by long bristly hair.

The razorback was not a separate species of swine, but rather a domestic breed that had reverted to characteristics needed to survive in the wild. Ironically, the true razorback vanished from Arkansas about the time University of Arkansas Coach Hugo Bezdek compared his undefeated 1909-football team to a “wild band of razorbacks.” Prior to the mascot change, the university’s teams were the “Cardinals.”

Perhaps the most legendary figure of 19th-century Arkansas was Fort Smith’s Judge Isaac C. Parker, the so-called “hangin’ judge.” An apparent early victim of bad press, Parker is often depicted in books and movies as a heartless, evil dictator of the law. Historians say he was, in fact, an incorruptible man of justice attempting to make the West safe for law-abiding citizens.

During his 21 years on the bench, Parker saw more than 13,000 cases docketed in his court. More than 9,000 defendants were convicted or pleaded guilty. Of these, 334 were tried for capital offenses and 160 were sentenced to hang – the only punishment available in such cases at the time. Some 79 convicted felons were executed, but Parker always maintained that he never hanged anyone. “It’s the law,” he often said.

While the number of hangings attracted national attention and eventually prompted the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse many of Parker’s convictions, little note was made that 65 deputy U.S. marshals were killed in the line of duty while serving the court at Fort Smith.

Parker’s jurisdiction ended in 1896, and he died ten weeks later. He is buried beneath a simple tombstone in the Fort Smith National Cemetery, a short distance from his courthouse. Today, the Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two frontier forts, Parker’s courtroom, a jail and re-created gallows. The site also features exhibits on the early role of the U.S. Army, marshals and outlaws, plus the fort’s place along the “Trail of Tears.”

The saga of the Bowie Knife remains one of the state’s greatest mysteries. Theories abound, but facts about Jim Bowie, his famous blade and its creator are shrouded in legends.

Many historians agree that blacksmith James Black created a knife for Bowie at Washington, Ark., around 1830. Much of the intrigue surrounding Bowie’s knife occurred after the weapon disappeared during the fall of the Alamo in March 1836. In addition to Bowie, Davy Crockett and Col. William Travis were among the martyred defenders.

James Black was blind and in poor health the last 34 years of his life. Daniel W. Jones, whose family cared for the homeless blacksmith until his death in 1872, wrote one of the few authoritative stories about Black, giving him credit for crafting the knife. Jones served as the state’s 19th governor (1897-1901).

Visitors may learn more about James Black and the Bowie knife by visiting Old Washington State Park, along U.S. 278, nine miles north of Hope. Also, the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock features one of the finest collections of Bowie knifes in America. Sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society, the permanent exhibit includes several blades attributed to James Black.