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This Day in Arkansas History

July 17, 1872

The first temporary town seat for Boone County, Bellefonte was incorporated as a town. Located on U.S. Highway 62/65, Bellefonte started as eighty acres of land purchased from the U.S. government by John Simms. It boasted a spring of fresh water. Simms was later joined by the Freeland, Laffoon, and Williams families. The men chose to name the community after its spring. By the time of incorporation, the town had dozens of businesses including a drugstore, a millinery shop, a livery stable, two saloons, and other establishments.

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Little Rock Travelers

The 1902 Little Rock Travelers baseball team finished second in the Southern Association. First organized in Little Rock (Pulaski County) in 1895, the team was named in honor of the painting Arkansas Traveler by Edward Payson Washbourne. The team’s name was changed from the Little Rock Travelers to the Arkansas Travelers to encourage statewide support.

 

The 1902 Little Rock Travelers baseball team finished second in the Southern Association. First organized in Little Rock (Pulaski County) in 1895, the team was named in honor of the painting Arkansas Traveler by Edward Payson Washbourne. The team’s name was changed from the Little Rock Travelers to the Arkansas Travelers to encourage statewide support.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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