State of Arkansas
Nicknames: The Natural State, The Land of Opportunity
Motto(s): Regnat populus (The people rule)
Date of Statehood: June 15, 1836 (25th state)
State Song: “Arkansas” by Eva Ware Barnett
Arkansas Flag History
The flag of Arkansas, adopted officially on February 26, 1913, is a symbol that elegantly captures the state’s history and natural beauty. Initially, the flag featured only three blue stars below the state’s name to represent the fact that Arkansas belonged to three countries (Spain, France, and the United States) before attaining statehood. In 1923, a fourth star was added above the state’s name to recognize the Confederate States of America. The diamond shape symbolizes Arkansas’s status as the first diamond-producing state, while the 25 white stars within the diamond signify Arkansas’s position as the 25th state to join the Union.
The flag’s design was a result of a contest sponsored by the Pine Bluff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The winning design, created by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker, initially did not include the state’s name. However, the committee decided to add “Arkansas” to the design, and this rendition was adopted as the state flag.
The colors red, white, and blue signify Arkansas’s heritage as part of the United States. The flag, with its unique symbols and colors, not only represents the state’s history and resources but also embodies the spirit and pride of its people. The Arkansas flag serves as a reminder of the state’s journey through history and its rich cultural and natural heritage.
Arkansas Quick Facts
Capital City: Little Rock
Abbreviation: AR
Population: Approximately 3 million
Region: South, West South Central
Origin of State Name: Derived from the Quapaw Indians, known as the “downstream people.”
Sports Teams: No major professional sports teams, significant presence in college sports, particularly the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
Bordering States: Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma
Area Codes: 479, 501, 870
Highest Point: Magazine Mountain at 2,753 feet (839 meters)
Lowest Point: Ouachita River at 55 feet (17 meters)
Geography of Arkansas
Area: 53,179 square miles (137,732 square kilometers), 29th largest
Land: 52,035 square miles (134,771 square kilometers), 27th largest
Water: 1,143 square miles (2,961 square kilometers), 34th largest
Coastline: None
Shoreline: None (landlocked state)
Largest Cities:
- Little Rock
- Fort Smith
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Jonesboro
- North Little Rock
- Conway
- Rogers
- Pine Bluff
- Bentonville
- Hot Springs
- Benton
- Sherwood
- Texarkana
- Russellville
National Parks:
- Hot Springs National Park
- Buffalo National River (managed by the National Park Service)
Arkansas State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Animal: White-tailed Deer
State Amphibian: American Toad
State Butterfly: Diana Fritillary
State Fish: Alligator Gar
State Flower: Apple Blossom
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Honeybee
State Mammal: White-tailed Deer
State Reptile: Arkansas Diamondback Terrapin
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato
State Gemstone: Diamond
State Soil: Stuttgart soil
State Tree: Loblolly Pine
State Quarter: Issued in 2003 featuring a rice stalk, a diamond, and a mallard in flight
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: None official
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Pecan
State Fossil: None
State Mineral: Quartz
State Rock: Bauxite