State of Arkansas: history of foundation and attractions

Every self-respecting American state necessarily has some kind of motto, some kind of a nickname that everyone knows literally. The state of Arkansas was called the "natural state". Once it was just an advertising move designed to attract investors and tourists. The move was successful, and the name caught on, but it still remains. Well, the motto, of course, unofficial, reads: "Why do we need this literacy?". Yes, self-irony here in honor, even at the national level. The fact is that the worst schools in the states are recognized as Arkansas.

A bit of history

Like other lands on the American continent, Indians lived before the arrival of white people in the territory where Arkansas is located today. They hunted, fought among themselves, concluded agreements. In general, behaved as the Indians are supposed to lead. While in the sixteenth century the Spaniards did not come. The Spaniards said that now they are the owners here. However, not all agreed with this. And for some reason the French did not agree most. The French said that they liked the land, and they will live here.

And while the Spaniards were arguing with the French, the indigenous Indians lived peacefully enough on their land. After all, because of disputes over the territory and not completely clarified the question of who is in charge, only Europeans came from hunters and traders who did not offend Indians in particular.

But finally, as always, everything was decided by the money. In 1803, they took and bought the state of Arkansas (which then no one, of course, called any state) from France. On that and decided.

The capital of Arkansas

The largest and most famous city in Arkansas is Little Rock, which translates as "a small stone" or "a small rock". It is a modern city with a well-developed economy. It is located Little Rock at the foot of a ridge of rocks on the bank of a wide river. There are many interesting museums and exhibitions in the city. With special pride, local residents will show the Presidential Library of Bill Clinton. And at the same time and tell about the history of its occurrence.

The attraction is the local Capitol. On its territory there are many interesting sculptures in which the history of the city is embodied. Arkansas is a state famous for its loud fight for the rights of black citizens. One of the architectural compositions is dedicated to the first nine black students who entered the local school. Other beautiful architectural ensembles can be seen just strolling through the streets of the city.

The natural heritage of Arkansas

But not architecture is primarily known in Arkansas. Cities in this list are not at all important. In the state there are literally dozens of reserves. Due to the fact that in the protected area it is forbidden to use any kind of transport, only natural sounds reign around. Among the forests, valleys and rocks you can really feel like a pioneer.

Even in the territory of this cozy and truly natural state there are many caves. Really a lot. Forty-three thousand! Plus minus a couple of hundred. In many of them the Indians lived at one time. Today, access to them is open to fans of adventure and speleology.

It is impossible not to mention hot mineral springs. They are located in the Hot Springs National Park. Without half a hundred hot springs (the temperature of the water coming out to the surface is +61 degrees Celsius), daily curative waters are taken from the bowels of the mountains. These sources, however, are cultivated, but this is done with skill. And the mineralogical clinics themselves, and the private bathrooms just delight the eye with beauty and elegance.

Crater of diamonds

In the distant 1906, a simple farmer John plowed his land. I found a diamond. Further, the script is somewhat similar to the way Arkansas was "born". Owners changed, mining of diamonds began (with an industrial scale), something was broken, someone bribed someone, someone burned something ... It was a total mess. While the state authorities did not take, and did not buy back the desired land. They bought and made from it the state park "Crater of Diamonds".

On the territory, all the interesting historical buildings have been preserved. Here you can see old rooms for washing the rocks and even some mining equipment. Although they are not here for this. The fact is that any found diamond can be taken with you completely legally and for free. You will also be weighed, and the certificate will be given out. And in fact find! Not often and not great, but find. And some really lucky, and the diamonds they found turned into luxurious cut diamonds.

National Forest of St. Francis

Arkansas is conditionally divided into such regions as the Mississippi Valley, the Arkansas River Valley, the Mexican coastal plain, the Washito Mountains and the Ozark Plateau. On the plateau is one of the most beautiful nature reserves - the National Forest of St. Francis. It was founded in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt, known for his love of the forests. Especially here it's beautiful in autumn, when trees are dressed in bright outfits of colorful leaves.