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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Campaign handbill, Garland County
Campaign handbill encouraging voters in Garland County to vote for the people listed on the handbill.
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Campaign pamphlet, Judge John E. Tatum
This is a fold-out campaign pamphlet for Judge John E. Tatum.
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Campaign pamphlet, J.W. Fulbright
This is a campaign pamphlet from J.W. Fulbright's re-election campaign for U.S. Senator.
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Campaign postcard, Hattie Caraway
This is a campaign postcard for Hattie Caraway's re-election to the U.S. Senate.
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Convention Act, General Assembly of the State of Arkansas
This is a copy of a Convention Act passed by the Arkansas General Assembly to provide for a State Convention.
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Democratic party meeting notice
This is a notice for a meeting of the Democratic party in Marion County to elect delegates to the state, judicial, senatorial and congressional conventions.
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Desha County election certificate, Burrell Walker
This is an election certification from Desha County for Burrell Walker, who was elected constable in 1874.
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Election notice, Searcy County
This is an election notification from N.J. McBride who was running for re-election as sheriff in Searcy County.
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Election notice, Thomas C. Trimble
This is an election notice circulated by Thomas C. Trimble, who was running for re-election to the office of prosecuting attorney in the 6th Judicial District. Handwritten on the back is a legal judgment in the matter of District #30 vs. Walter Pemberton et al.
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Election proclamation, Prairie County
This is an election proclamation posted by the sheriff of Prairie County for a special election to be held in Des Arc on October 22 for the election of a Justice of the Peace. The proclamation was issued by Governor Miller.
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Election proclamation, Van Buren County
This is an election proclamation from the sheriff's office in Van Buren County calling for the election of a Justice of the Peace.
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Election returns, Van Buren County
This is election returns from Van Buren County in from the election of 1872.
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Flyer, extract from campaign speech of George W. Hays
This is an extract of a campaign speech given by George W. Hays in which he discusses the importance of education.
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Flyer, SOS (Save Our State)
This is a political flyer, "SOS (Save Our State), encouraging voters to vote Republican in Arkansas and end the one-party system.
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George W. Donaghey's inauguration
This is a black and white photograph of Governor George W. Donaghey's inauguration in 1909. This photograph was taken inside the first State Capitol building, now known as the Old State House. Donaghey was the last Governor to be inaugurated there. There isn't a list of names of the other men in the photograph.
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Governor Francis Cherry
This is a black and white photograph of Governor Francis Cherry seated at his desk with an unidentified man standing next to him.
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Governor Francis Cherry inaugural address
This is a black and white photograph of Governor Francis Cherry delivering his inaugural address on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol.
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Governor Jeff Davis in his office
Black and white photograph of Governor Jeff Davis with an unidentified man in Davis's office.
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Governor Junius Marion Futrell
This is a black and white photographic portrait of Governor Junius Marion Futrell.
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Governor's commission, Orval Faubus
This is the official commission making Orval Faubus governor for the State of Arkansas in 1954. The Commission signs over seat of Governor from Francis Cherry to Orval Faubus.
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Governor Winthrop Rockefeller at the Ozark Folk Festival
This is a black and white photograph of Governor Winthrop Rockefeller signing his autograph for a girl at the Ozark Folk Festival in Eureka Springs.