Arkansas State University - Indian Yearbook (Jonesboro, AR)

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ollege salutes its home state We, the faculty and students of Arkansas State College, proudly salute our home state of Arkansas in honor of its 125th year of statehood. Arkansas has advanced so far beyond words in fields of agriculture, industry, education and economy, that it is im- possible to tell the entire story of success. However, through the pages of this book, we are going to try to present a picture of success of two institutions; Arkansas as a state and Arkansas State as a college. It is hoped that when the last page of this annual is turned, you the students of Arkansas State and all others who may venture through this book, too, may have a deeper feeling of gratitude toward the state of Arkansas and will join us in saluting her 125th anniversary celebration. To Arkansas, The Land of Opportunity, who sets a standard for us to follow, this book is humblv dedicated.

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NINETEEN SIXTY-ONE r ka nsas State

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VNSAS ears Of Statehood Approximately 420 years ago the first white men led by Hernando DeSoto reached Arkansas, then a territory. Since that time the territory, which later become a state, has seen numerous types and races of men in this area. After Desoto ' s journey down the Mississippi River to Arkansas, the territorial state was visited by Marquette and Joliet about 100 years later. The first permanent settle- ment in what is now Arkansas was made by De Tonti in 1686 at Arkansas Post, one of the most popular historical spots in the state todav. When the Americans learned about the French having ownership of Louisiana, they were very eager to secure an outlet at the mouth of the Mississippi. So in 1803 the United States bargained with France and paid her $15,- 000,000 for the entire Louisiana Purchase which included Arkansas. The Arkansas territory was organized in 1819, and after seeking admission to the Union several times, was officially admitted in 1836. Since many Indian Tribes inhabited the territory in its earliest existence, it was only proper that an Indian name be given it. Since the Civil War days, Arkansas has produced one of the most talked about resort areas, the great hunting and fishing facilities and truly one of the nation ' s leading family vacationing areas. It has approximately 25 institutions of higher learn- ing, one oi the fastest growing in the state of which is Arkansas State. It ' s natural resource potentials can be matched bv no other state in the Union. Arkansas, in its brief existence of 125 years, has continued, and will do so in the future, to produce and develop its greatest natural resource — its students — in the best way possible. 1836-1961 THE COMMISSARY BUILDING at Old Fort Smith, built in 1839, houses exhibits of Arkansas frontier days.