Throughout the decades, lots of important things have happened in Arkansas. With such a long, rich history, it can be hard to keep up with every significant event that’s occurred in the state. However, there are some moments that are so iconic that everyone born in Arkansas will always remember them, no matter how much time has passed.
- 1992 Presidential Election
White House/Wikimedia After voting several times, election days can become somewhat of a blur. However, it’s pretty safe to say that most residents will forever remember the election of 1992, when Arkansas native Bill Clinton was voted into office.
- The Whitewater Scandal
Clinton White House/Wikimedia The 1990s Whitewater scandal is another moment that will live in infamy in the minds of residents. A real estate venture turned into a failed investment, the controversy involved Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as another couple, the McDougals. Questions regarding the Clintons’ involvement arose in 1993. And though the Clintons were cleared of any wrongdoing, the investigation revealed other controversies involving the Clintons, including the Lewinsky scandal.
- Heat Wave of 1988 (a.k.a. the 1988–1989 North American Drought)
Acilondioliveira/Wikimedia The drought and heat wave of 1988 affected nearly the entire U.S.; however, Arkansas was one of the hardest hit states. The extreme temperatures and lack of rain decimated a year’s worth of cotton, soybean, corn, and wheat crops. To this day, it’s considered the worst drought and heat wave since the Great Depression and the “most devastating natural disaster” in Arkansas, as it caused thousands of deaths and more than $40 billion in damages!
- 1999 Tornado Outbreak
Daphne Zaras/Wikimedia On January 21 - 22, 1999, a strong storm system swept across much of the south, resulting in the largest tornado outbreak in Arkansas history. During the 1999 outbreak, 56 tornadoes touched down in the Natural State. The previous record was set in 1916, when 34 tornadoes were spawned over the course of one outbreak.
- Flood of 1978
US National Weather Service Little Rock Arkansas/Facebook During the Flood of 1978, which occurred on September 13th, central Arkansas was inundated with a record-setting amount of rain. Ultimately, the immense rainstorm caused flash floods, making a harrowing situation even worse. In the end, 57 counties were affected by the flood, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in damage.
- Titan II Missile Explosion
The Titan Missile Museum/Facebook Occurring on September 18 - 19, 1980, just north of Damascus, the Titan II Missile Explosion is the “most highly publicized disaster in the history of the Titan II Missile Program.” Unbelievably powerful, the explosion blew a 740-ton launch duct closure door 200 feet in the air and about 600 feet from the launch complex. In the end, one airman lost his life and the entire complex was destroyed.
- The Crash of American Airlines Flight 1420
NTSB/Wikimedia One of Arkansas’ worst air disasters occurred on June 1, 1999, when American Airlines Flight 1420 crashed while attempting to land in Little Rock. The plane skidded several hundred feet off the runway, collided into a structure, and broke apart into three pieces. A follow-up report determined that the cause of the crash was a combination of pilot error, bad weather, and a poorly designed runway.
- 1965 UFO Sighting
Employee of Central Intelligence Agency of the United States/Wikimedia There have been several UFO sightings in Arkansas throughout the centuries. One of the most famous sightings occurred in 1965, when Bill Estep of Viney Grove spotted an illuminated cylindrical object hovering in the sky. Estep’s sighting wasn’t the only one. On the same night, several other reports came in from Fayetteville.
- Killing Spree of Ronald Gene Simmons
Acharton/Wikimedia Longtime residents will no doubt remember the name Ronald Gene Simmons, who, in 1987, went on a killing spree that, to this day, remains the worst mass murder in Arkansas history and the worst crime involving one family in the history of the nation. Simmons’ murder spree spanned six days, from December 22 – 28, 1987, and left a total of 16 people dead – 14 of whom were members of Simmons’ immediate family.
So, what do you think? Are these the most memorable moments in Arkansas? Did we miss an iconic moment that you think is unforgettable? If so, tell us!
White House/Wikimedia
After voting several times, election days can become somewhat of a blur. However, it’s pretty safe to say that most residents will forever remember the election of 1992, when Arkansas native Bill Clinton was voted into office.
Clinton White House/Wikimedia
The 1990s Whitewater scandal is another moment that will live in infamy in the minds of residents. A real estate venture turned into a failed investment, the controversy involved Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as another couple, the McDougals. Questions regarding the Clintons’ involvement arose in 1993. And though the Clintons were cleared of any wrongdoing, the investigation revealed other controversies involving the Clintons, including the Lewinsky scandal.
Acilondioliveira/Wikimedia
The drought and heat wave of 1988 affected nearly the entire U.S.; however, Arkansas was one of the hardest hit states. The extreme temperatures and lack of rain decimated a year’s worth of cotton, soybean, corn, and wheat crops. To this day, it’s considered the worst drought and heat wave since the Great Depression and the “most devastating natural disaster” in Arkansas, as it caused thousands of deaths and more than $40 billion in damages!
Daphne Zaras/Wikimedia
On January 21 - 22, 1999, a strong storm system swept across much of the south, resulting in the largest tornado outbreak in Arkansas history. During the 1999 outbreak, 56 tornadoes touched down in the Natural State. The previous record was set in 1916, when 34 tornadoes were spawned over the course of one outbreak.
US National Weather Service Little Rock Arkansas/Facebook
During the Flood of 1978, which occurred on September 13th, central Arkansas was inundated with a record-setting amount of rain. Ultimately, the immense rainstorm caused flash floods, making a harrowing situation even worse. In the end, 57 counties were affected by the flood, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in damage.
The Titan Missile Museum/Facebook
Occurring on September 18 - 19, 1980, just north of Damascus, the Titan II Missile Explosion is the “most highly publicized disaster in the history of the Titan II Missile Program.” Unbelievably powerful, the explosion blew a 740-ton launch duct closure door 200 feet in the air and about 600 feet from the launch complex. In the end, one airman lost his life and the entire complex was destroyed.
NTSB/Wikimedia
One of Arkansas’ worst air disasters occurred on June 1, 1999, when American Airlines Flight 1420 crashed while attempting to land in Little Rock. The plane skidded several hundred feet off the runway, collided into a structure, and broke apart into three pieces. A follow-up report determined that the cause of the crash was a combination of pilot error, bad weather, and a poorly designed runway.
Employee of Central Intelligence Agency of the United States/Wikimedia
There have been several UFO sightings in Arkansas throughout the centuries. One of the most famous sightings occurred in 1965, when Bill Estep of Viney Grove spotted an illuminated cylindrical object hovering in the sky. Estep’s sighting wasn’t the only one. On the same night, several other reports came in from Fayetteville.
Acharton/Wikimedia
Longtime residents will no doubt remember the name Ronald Gene Simmons, who, in 1987, went on a killing spree that, to this day, remains the worst mass murder in Arkansas history and the worst crime involving one family in the history of the nation. Simmons’ murder spree spanned six days, from December 22 – 28, 1987, and left a total of 16 people dead – 14 of whom were members of Simmons’ immediate family.
Love Arkansas history? Click here to read about a hike that leads to a historic homestead.
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