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This Day in Arkansas History

May 14, 1901

John Quincy Wolf Jr. was born in Batesville (Independence County). Young Wolf attended public schools in Batesville and graduated from Arkansas College (now Lyon College) before obtaining an MA from Vanderbilt University and, later, a PhD. A college professor whose academic expertise was Romantic poetry, Wolf is best remembered for his intrepid collecting and recording of folk music and folklore. He is credited with discovering and encouraging such performers as Almeda Riddle, Ollie Gilbert, and Jimmy Driftwood. After his death, Memphis State University professor F. Jack Hurley, along with Wolf’s widow, published Wolf’s collected recollections of his father’s tales of growing up in the Ozarks after the Civil War under the title Life in the Leatherwoods.

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Washington Street Scene

Washington (Hempstead County), founded in 1824, was one of Arkansas Territory’s early settlements. The town, which served as the county seat until 1939, was a major stopping station on the Southwest Trail and was one of the last U.S. towns before entering Mexican territory. Washington prospered until the 1870s, when the railroad was constructed about nines miles away. Though still a vibrant community when this circa 1900 photo was taken, the town began to suffer a slow decline. Today, the restored town, a historic treasure, is known as Old Washington Historic State Park.

 

Washington (Hempstead County), founded in 1824, was one of Arkansas Territory’s early settlements. The town, which served as the county seat until 1939, was a major stopping station on the Southwest Trail and was one of the last U.S. towns before entering Mexican territory. Washington prospered until the 1870s, when the railroad was constructed about nines miles away. Though still a vibrant community when this circa 1900 photo was taken, the town began to suffer a slow decline. Today, the restored town, a historic treasure, is known as Old Washington Historic State Park.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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