Arkansas is a fascinating state that’s rich in scenic beauty and historic significance. In fact, Arkansas was the place where diamonds were first discovered! This state has also brought forth several gems in people who have left their mark on history — and some of the most famous Arkansans come from tiny towns you may never have heard of.
The small town of Kingsland, Arkansas, may not be a bustling metropolis, but it brought us one of the most influential musicians of the century!
Galen Johnson/Google Maps
Johnny Cash is known the world over as a country music icon. He’s got that deep baritone voice that’s instantly recognizable.
CBS Television/Wikimedia Commons Living near train tracks, much of his music chugs along like a train and is rather infectious. Known for songs like “I Walk The Line”, “Ring of Fire”, and an absolutely haunting rendition of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails, he has left a permanent mark on the music industry and his songs will be heard for generations. He’s easily the most famous Arkansan, and we’re proud to call him ours!
Hillsboro is barely recognizable as a town with just a small scattering of buildings, however, from it came the first female winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature.
Hillsboro/Google Maps
Pearl S. Buck, also known as Sai Zhenzhu in China, was born in this remote locale in 1892 and was brought to China as an infant, where she spent her formative years.
Agip/Wikimedia Commons She is known for writing “The Good Earth,” the top best seller in 1931-32 and earned her a Pulitzer Prize, making her the first woman to do so. She loved to write about peasant life in China and about the lives of her missionary parents. As the first female recipient of both the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prize for Literature, she is certainly an icon worth remembering.
Huttig is another little blip on the Arkansas map, but like the ones above, brought us someone who left their mark upon history.
Huttig/Google Maps
Daisy Bates suffered intense racism in her hometown and dedicated her life to civil rights causes.
Wisconsin History.org/Wikipedia She attended segregated schools in her youth and grew up fighting for the integration of schools during the Little Rock Integration Crisis in the 1950s, guiding the Little Rock Nine to attend an all-white school, meeting intense resistance. She prevailed and sparked the integration of schools across the nation.
Did you know about these famous Arkansans? Arkansas has a lot of history and lore with a lot to explore. Take a road trip to some abandoned places or spend some summer days at waterside locations that feel like a Caribbean paradise! Let us know about your favorite spots in Arkansas in the comments.
Galen Johnson/Google Maps
CBS Television/Wikimedia Commons
Living near train tracks, much of his music chugs along like a train and is rather infectious. Known for songs like “I Walk The Line”, “Ring of Fire”, and an absolutely haunting rendition of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails, he has left a permanent mark on the music industry and his songs will be heard for generations. He’s easily the most famous Arkansan, and we’re proud to call him ours!
Hillsboro/Google Maps
Agip/Wikimedia Commons
She is known for writing “The Good Earth,” the top best seller in 1931-32 and earned her a Pulitzer Prize, making her the first woman to do so. She loved to write about peasant life in China and about the lives of her missionary parents. As the first female recipient of both the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prize for Literature, she is certainly an icon worth remembering.
Huttig/Google Maps
Wisconsin History.org/Wikipedia
She attended segregated schools in her youth and grew up fighting for the integration of schools during the Little Rock Integration Crisis in the 1950s, guiding the Little Rock Nine to attend an all-white school, meeting intense resistance. She prevailed and sparked the integration of schools across the nation.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kingsland, AR 71652, USAAddress: Hillsboro, AR 71765, USAAddress: Huttig, AR 71747, USA
