This collection of documents represents a behind-the-scenes look at Arkansas from earliest times to 1984. Here are newspaper articles, government bulletins, legislative acts, broadsides, letters, and speeches. Collectively, they give a firsthand glimpse at how the twenty-fifth state’s history was made. Consideration is given to social and cultural aspects of Arkansas history, with special attention focused on the role played by women and blacks.

C. Fred Williams is a professor of history at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. S. Charles Bolton is professor of history at UALR. Carl H. Moneyhon is a professor of history at UALR. Leroy T. Williams is an associate professor of history at UALR.