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This Day in Arkansas History

September 6, 1941

Jacksonville (Pulaski County) was incorporated. In June, the Arkansas Gazette had carried the news that a fuse and detonator plant, called the Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP), was to be built in Jacksonville (Pulaski County). The land near Jacksonville was taken over by the government by condemnation proceedings, and Jacksonville became a boom town. Housing was in very limited supply, and people lived wherever they could, even in their cars, until a trailer park and housing addition were built. The AOP stayed in production from 1942 to 1945.

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William Sebastian

William Sebastian, a native of Tennessee, represented Arkansas in the U.S. Senate from 1848 until 1861. Also a farmer, lawyer, and judge, Sebastian served his state until the Civil War ended his career. At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, he was one of two Southern senators who did not resign their seats. He and future president Andrew Johnson were instead expelled from the Senate on July 11, 1861, along with their fellow Southerners. In 1877, twelve years after his death, the U.S. Senate revoked its resolution of expulsion and paid compensation to his heirs.

 

William Sebastian, a native of Tennessee, represented Arkansas in the U.S. Senate from 1848 until 1861. Also a farmer, lawyer, and judge, Sebastian served his state until the Civil War ended his career. At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, he was one of two Southern senators who did not resign their seats. He and future president Andrew Johnson were instead expelled from the Senate on July 11, 1861, along with their fellow Southerners. In 1877, twelve years after his death, the U.S. Senate revoked its resolution of expulsion and paid compensation to his heirs.

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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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