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What was Arkansas called before it became a state?

Published in Arkansas History 1 min read

Before becoming a state, the area now known as Arkansas was officially designated as the Territory of Arkansaw.

From Territory to Statehood

The journey of Arkansas to becoming a state involved a significant period as an organized United States territory. The region was established as the Territory of Arkansaw on July 4, 1819. This territorial designation lasted for just under 17 years.

During this period, the territory developed its infrastructure, population, and governance, laying the groundwork for its eventual admission into the Union. A notable historical detail is the slight difference in spelling: the "Arkansaw" territory eventually transitioned to the "Arkansas" state.

Key Dates in Arkansas's Formation

The transformation from a territory to a state can be understood through its key organizational dates:

Event Date
Territory Created July 4, 1819
State Admitted June 15, 1836

On June 15, 1836, the Territory of Arkansaw was formally admitted to the United States, officially becoming the 25th state: Arkansas. This admission marked a crucial step in the history and development of the American South.

For more historical context, you can refer to the detailed history of Arkansas on Wikipedia.