Arkansas has had an interesting and oftentimes tumultuous political history. From a knife fight on the floor of the Arkansas Legislature during early statehood to a whirlwind 20th Century political campaign once referred to as a “circus hitched to a tornado,” Arkansas politics has offered up drama and entertainment.
In this online exhibit, the Arkansas State Archives will explore the world of Arkansas politics through correspondence, photographs, and campaign material.
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Arkansas Governor's Mansion
This is a black and white photograph of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock.
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Arkansas House of Representatives at Eastman Hotel in Hot Springs
This is a picture of members of the Arkansas House of Representatives in front of the Eastman Hotel in Hot Springs in 1882. The clerk, Sallie Pale, and J.W. Pale are identified.
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Assembly hall of the Arkansas House of Representatives
Black and white photograph of the Assembly Hall of the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1909. The photograph was taken from the balcony in the original state capitol building, now known as the Old State House Museum.
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Ballot, Arkansas Democratic state ticket
This is a Democrat state ticket from the 1882 election in Arkansas. Candidates on the ballot are running for state, county, and local elections.
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Ballot, Arkansas Republican or Conservative ticket
This is an Arkansas Republican or Conservative ticket for Congress, 3rd District. The election is for state senator.
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Ballot, Democratic state ticket
This is a Democratic party state ticket covering state and county elections in 1890.
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Ballot, Hempstead County Democratic primary
This is a Hempstead County Democratic primary ballot from 1898.
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Ballot, Hempstead County Democratic primary election
This is a ballot for the Hempstead County Democratic primary election in 1904 for the election of state and local officials.
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Ballot, Pulaski County Democratic primary election
This is a Pulaski County Democratic primary election ballot for the election of state and county officials and constitutional officers.
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Ballot, Sebastian County election
This is a Sebastian County election ballot for the election of state, county, and local officials and constitutional officers.
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Ballot, Yell County Democratic primary election
This is a Yell County Democratic primary election ballot for the election of state, county, and local officials and constitutional officers.
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Campaign broadside, Amos Horn
This is a political broadside from Amos Horn, who was running for county clerk of Montgomery County. Horn addresses accusations from his opponent that he is not making his political positions clear.
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Campaign broadside, Charles H. Brough
This is a campaign broadside for Charles H. Brough, who was running for Governor of Arkansas in 1916. The broadside announces that he will be speaking at the courthouse in Franklin, Kentucky.
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Campaign broadside, Charles Hillman Brough
This is a pro-Charles H. Brough campaign broadside titled "Machine Politics" issued by his supporters, the Brough Club. The broadside is criticizing a supporter of Brough's opponenent, Secretary of State Earl W. Hodges. The Brough Club claims that the opposing side is not keeping promises made.
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Campaign broadside, Francis Cherry
This is a gubernatorial campaign broadside for Francis Cherry from his election campaign in 1952.
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Campaign broadside, Hattie Caraway
Broadside issued by Huey P. Long for Hattie Caraway's senatorial campaign.
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Campaign broadside, John J. Hughes
This is a campaign broadside for John J. Hughes, who was running for re-election as State Representative from Lee County.
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Campaign card, Charles R. Watson
This is a campaign card used by Charles R. Watson during his campaign for Secretary of State.
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Campaign card, J.W. Thompson
This is a campaign card for J.W. Thompson who was running for state representative.
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Campaign card, Rev. James T. Jones
This is a campaign card for the Rev. James T. Jones who was running for Chaplain in the House of Representatives. Jones was blind.
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Campaign circular, J.M. Pittman
This is a campaign circular distributed by J.M. Pittman. Pittman is running for re-election for Judge of the 4th Judicial District.
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Campaign circular, J.M. Pittman
This is a campaign circular for J.M. Pittman's 1885 election to a judgeship in his district.
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Campaign fan, Virginia Johnson
A printed paper campaign fan for Virginia Johnson in her 1968 run for Governor of Arkansas.
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Campaign flyer, Charles R. Watson
This is a campaign flyer used by Charles R. Watson during his campaign for Secretary of State.