This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

How many people is “two pairs of twins twice”?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Arkansas becomes the 25th state in the American Union on June 15, 1936. The name “Arkansas” is a name used by French explorers, and it refers to the Quapaw native people.

Here are a few interesting facts about Arkansas:

Capital City: Little Rock
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Flower: Apple Blossom
State Motto: Regnat Populus (The People Rule)
Major Rivers: Arkansas and Red

Arkansas uses two different nicknames: Land of Opportunity and The Natural State. The Natural State recognizes the state’s diverse landscape of mountains, lakes, hot springs, and forests. Numerous natural hot springs can be found, and they welcome people who visit with hopes of finding relief from certain illnesses.

In 1803, the United States greatly expands its land size when the Louisiana Purchase is bought with France. As part of these new lands, Arkansas becomes a territory in 1819. The state features many key battlefield sites from the American Civil War.

In 1932, Hattie Caraway becomes the first American woman elected to the United States Senate. The 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, is born in Hope (1946).

The state’s economy has transformed from its reliance on agriculture to a more diversified one. Corporations founded in Arkansas have led the way, such as Walmart and Tyson Foods.

In 1957, landmark school integration is enforced by the federal government. With a U.S. Army escort, nine courageous African-American students attend a now integrated high school in Little Rock, and become known as the “Little Rock Nine.”

During World War II, two major Japanese internment settlements are established at Rohwer and Jerome.