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Arkansas
 
Travel America

Learn before you travel. This section of Fun Easy English focuses on facts and other cool stuff about your favorite U.S. state. This is great English reading practice. This page focuses on the state of Arkansas.
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Arkansas

Arkansas, which joined the Union in 1836, was the 25th state. The early French explorers of the state gave it its name, which is probably a phonetic spelling for the French word for "downriver" people, a reference to the Quapaw Indians and the river along which they settled. Arkansas is the only state in which diamonds have been mined, although today the mine operates only as a tourist attraction. The state flower is the apple blossom. The current state nickname is the Natural State but in the past it was also known as the Land of Opportunity and the Wonder State.
Flag of ArkansasArkansas State Flag


The state flag of Arkansas is red, white, and blue to signify that Arkansas is one of the United States. The large diamond represents the only diamond producing state in the USA - Arkansas. 25 white stars show Arkansas as the 25th state to join the Union. Three blue stars below the word ARKANSAS are symbols for the three nations which ruled Arkansas before it became a state (Spain, France, and the United States), and also signify that Arkansas was the third state created out of the Louisiana Purchase. The fourth lone star above the word ARKANSAS represents the Confederacy.

In 1912 the battleship Arkansas was to be commissioned, and the Pine Bluff chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) promised to present the ship with an Arkansas state flag for the occasion. However, when they wrote to the Secretary of State to learn more about the flag, he replied that Arkansas had no State flag!

The DAR went into action and held a contest in Arkansas for a state flag design. Miss Willie Hocker from Wabbaseka, AR submitted the winning entry (the Confederate star was not part of this original design, but added later by legislature).

Salute To The State Flag

"I Salute the Arkansas Flag With Its Diamond and Stars. We Pledge Our Loyalty to Thee."
Source: State Symbols USA
 
The great seal of the state of ArkansasArkansas State Facts

Picture: state seal of Arkansas
State Capital Little Rock
Nickname The Natural State / Land of Opportunity / Wonder State
Motto Regnat Populus (The people rule)
Statehood June 15, 1836 (25th)
Origin of Name French interpretation of a Sioux word "acansa," meaning "downstream place."
Largest Cities Little Rock, Fort Smith, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro
Border States Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas
Area 52,075 sq. mi.; 27th largest
State Bird Mockingbird
State Flower Apple blossom
State Tree Pine (pinus)
State Song Arkansas Oh, Arkansas
Map showing the location of ArkansasTravel and tourism site for Arkansas - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.
Arkansas Stories
 
Mountains of Arkansas

The Ozark Mountains of Arkansas are the largest mountain range between the Appalachian Mountains in the East and the Rocky Mountains in the West.

The Ozark Mountains of Arkansas may have been named for Aux Arc, a French trading post located there in the 1700s. In French, Aux Arc means "at the bow." The limestone that is found there wears away easily and is responsible for many unusual geographic features, such as caves, sinkholes and underground streams. The Ozarks region is also known for its folk crafts and outdoor recreation.
 
Tribute to Louis Jordan

You might have heard of Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby, two well-known and popular musicians, but it's very possible that you've never heard of Louis Jordan, who was just as popular when he was alive.

Arkansas-born Louis Jordan (1908-1975) is considered the father of rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll, and even rap. During the 1940s and 1950s he was one of the few African American musicians who had "crossover" appeal - that is he was popular with both black and white audiences. Jordan and his band, the Tympany Five, were one of the most popular recording acts in the country by 1942. As a result of his popularity, he starred in many Hollywood short films and received equal billing with performers like Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby. He was even rapping decades before modern-day rap was born.

Many of his songs are still popular. "Barnyard Boogie" is featured in the movie "Babe: Pig in the City." Other songs of his that you might recognize include "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" and "Let the Good Times Roll." Louis Jordan is such an important figure in the history of rock and rap music that he is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 
Little Rock Air Force Base Air Show

Have you ever been inside a fighter jet? Many cities have air shows in which different kinds of planes are flown and displayed, and if you go to one, you just might get the chance to see one of these jets up close.

Every year since 1955, the Little Rock Air Force Base has had an Air Show, where people can view U.S. Air Force aircraft, look into the cockpits of fighter jets, watch parachutists tumble from the sky, and see the aerial acrobatics of fighter jets, like the USAF Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.

All of these fighter jets are flown by extremely skilled pilots -- only the best of the best. There is no room for error when the Thunderbirds F-16 fighter jets, the Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet fighter/attack aircraft and the Snowbirds CT-114 Tutor aircraft scream across the sky. They all fly a mix of formation maneuvers and solo routines, sometimes flying just inches past each other. Each squadron has a set of loops, rolls, climbs and other maneuvers it performs going as fast as 1,000 mph.
 
Arkansas Folk Festival

The Ozark Mountains used to be an isolated place to live. Situated in northern Arkansas and parts of Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, the Ozarks were covered by forests. The first people to live there were the Indians who were nicknamed "bluff dwellers" because they lived in the shelter of the mountains. The settlers who arrived in the 1800s were self-supporting, which means they grew their own food, hunted and raised free-range animals. Because it was isolated, a unique culture developed.

The Arkansas Folk Festival is an annual celebration of traditional Ozark culture which began in 1963. It's held the third weekend in April in Mountain View, Arkansas. Highlights are a parade, folk music concerts and workshops, a blacksmith shop, and demonstrations of such crafts as making soap, brooms, candles, pottery, dolls and toys.

The Ozark region is characterized by many underground streams and springs. Tourism is one of the region's chief industries and was given a boost by Harold Bell Wright's novel The Shepherd of the Hills (1907), which romanticized the Ozarks.
 
Toad Suck Daze

Have you ever seen toads race? You can at the Toad Suck Daze in Conway, Arkansas -- a yearly celebration of local culture and history. In addition to regular festivity events such as music, arts and crafts, a business and professional exposition, foot races, dancing, and a fire fighter's competition, the toad race competition takes place on an 8-foot course. And there are strict rules for the race:

No frogs -- only toads are allowed to race. What's the difference between a frog and a toad? See below.

The toad cannot be prodded, pushed or shoved.

Toads may not be thrown, or otherwise propelled other than by their own power, over the finish line.

You may touch your toad only to place it back in its lane once it has jumped out of bounds.

Although related, a toad is not the same as a frog. Toads do not spend as much time in the water as frogs; they are generally squatter, shorter and have weaker limbs; and they are rough, dry and warty rather than smooth and moist-skinned.
 
Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour of Homes

Do you think it's important to save historic houses? Some people in Little Rock, Arkansas, do. In 1961 the name "Quapaw Quarter" was established to provide a special term for the oldest and most historic section of Little Rock. The creators of the name borrowed "Quapaw" from the Quapaw Indians, who once inhabited central Arkansas. The Quapaw Quarter Association was founded in 1968 to preserve, protect, and enhance the historic buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of Quapaw Quarter and central Arkansas.

Many homes and churches were built in the Quapaw Quarter from 1870 to 1920. Unfortunately, many of these structures were destroyed during the urban development of the 1950s and '60s. The few local residents who protested these demolitions met with little success. So in 1963 they decided to establish an event that would focus attention on the great loss to the city's character and offer tours of these houses. One historic house that was not destroyed was the Villa Marre house, which was saved and restored by the Quapaw Quarter Association. This house was used in the TV show "Designing Women," and has become a nationally recognized symbol for the quality of Little Rock's historic resources. Although the show has been canceled, you can still see reruns. Pay special attention to the house. It's a beauty.
 
World Championship Duck Calling Contest

Most people think about turkey for Thanksgiving, but in Stuttgart, Arkansas, the World Championship Duck Calling Contest takes place Thanksgiving week. More than 60,000 people attend the festival, which is the oldest in the state. The first duck-calling contest, held in 1936, had 17 contestants, with the first prize of a hunting coat valued at $6.60. Today the contest is held in six divisions, including junior, intermediate, and women, and the prize package is worth more than $15,000.

There are four basic types of duck calls. The "hail call" is a series of loud, pleading quacks that attract a flock's attention. Once you see ducks react to the hail, either by turning or slowing down, stop hailing them. As the ducks get closer, switch to a "greeting call," a series of five excited quacks. Then you use the "feed call" when they get close. Done properly, it mimics a group of contented ducks on the water. If the ducks are leaving, try the "come-back call." It's similar to the greeting call, but with louder, longer, pleading quacks. If your come-back call makes the ducks turn around, go back to the feed call. All of this quacking may sound easy, but it isn't. Just try it and see!
Source: Library of Congress
National Forests and Parks of Arkansas

The following is a description of national forests and parks in the state of Arkansas. There are no national monuments in this state. If you plan to visit or live in Arkansas for awhile then you should definitely plan to visit some of these fantastic places.
 
National Forests
Ouachita

Including the namesake Ouachita Mountains, this forest has nearly 800,000 acres (320,000 ha) of old-growth forest. The forest has two wilderness areas: Black Fork Mountain and Upper Kiamichi River. This national forest is also partially located in the state of Oklahoma.
Ozark-St. Francis

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has more than 400 mi (640 km) of trails, including the Ozark Highlands Trail. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three level cave system that is open for public tours.
 
National Parks
Hot Springs

Hot Springs was established as a federal reserve by Congress on April 20, 1832—the oldest area managed by the National Park Service. Congress redesignated Hot Springs as a national park on March 4, 1921. Natural hot springs flow out of the Ouachita Mountains, providing opportunities for relaxation in a historic setting. Bathhouse Row preserves numerous examples of 19th-century architecture.[66] Hot Springs is the first national park in a city and was the smallest national park until February 22, 2018 when the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial was redesignated Gateway Arch National Park.
 
Travel America
 
 
 
Cool America
About the U.S.A.

About the U.S.A. is an American Studies reader that examines the customs, government, and history of the United States of America. The text provides a wealth of information on U.S. geography and history; the roles of local, state, and federal government; national holidays and symbols; the Constitution; and citizenship. The book, which was written for intermediate to advanced learners of English, contains a range of activities for language students to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (opens to a new PDF window) Great English reading practice.
About America

Learn about the fascinating history and government of the United States of America. Lessons include content on American Government, American History, and Integrated Civics. Handouts with interactive games and student-centered activities encompass all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Great English reading practice for beginning to intermediate students.
American Teens Talk!

Americans Teens Talk! is a collection of interviews of American high school students. Each interview is accompanied by vocabulary notes and discussion questions. The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture. These interviews come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading
Sing Out Loud Children's Songs

Sing Out Loud Children's Songs includes popular children's songs in the U.S.A. Posters accompany the individual Sing Out Loud Children's Songs. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs

The Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs collection contains 13 traditional American folk songs and song lyrics. Listen to the songs online, read the lyrics, and collect the posters that accompany the songs. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Sing Out Loud American Rhythms

Do you love music? Want to use it to learn English? Check out the hip-hop inspired song "Peace" from Sing Out Loud American Rhythms. American Rhythms includes a variety of musical genres from many different artists in the U.S.A. These songs will appeal to teens and young adults. These songs come with audio programs. Great English listening and reading practice.
Route 66 - Famous American Road

U.S. Route 66 (US 66 or Route 66), also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). It was recognized in popular culture by both the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and the Route 66 television show in the 1960s.
Route 66: The Highway That's the Best
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Chicago: The Start of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Going West for Decades on Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Arizona: The Spirit of Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Route 66 California: The End of the Trail
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Ten Must-See Route 66 Attractions
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
Four Famous Foods On Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
International Tourists Drawn to Route 66
(Beginner - Listening)

A video lesson which shows you an interesting place in America.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Great English listening practice.
This video shows travel along Route 66, the most famous road in America.
 
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