This episode revisits the controversial hanging of Odus Davidson, who was found guilty by a community of outrage and circumstantial evidence. Decades later, many still question his guilt.

#Arkansas #History #Podcast

In our next installment of the Arkansas County Series, we dive into Ashley County. Uncover the captivating history and lively culture of this southeastern gem, founded in 1848. From its agricultural beginnings and booming timber industry to its roster of notable figures like NBA legend Scottie Pippen and True Grit author Charles Portis, we explore the county’s origins, vibrant towns like Hamburg and Crossett, significant events, and chilling folklore, including the mysterious Crossett Light and the Phantom Rider of Fountain Hill. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the past and present of this resilient Delta community.

#arkansas #history #podcast #Ashley #county

In April 1981, a young woman’s body was found in a ditch in rural Ohio, wearing a distinctive buckskin poncho. Dubbed “Buckskin Girl,” she remained unidentified for 37 years. Strangled and beaten, her case went cold despite extensive investigations. In 2018, genetic genealogy revealed her identity: Marcia Lenore King, a 21-year-old from Little Rock, Arkansas. It was one of the first widely publicized cases where genetic genealogy was used to identify a Jane Doe, marking a significant milestone in forensic science. Though she was identified and her name was restored, her killer remains unknown. Explore the mystery, forensic breakthroughs, and ongoing quest for justice in this gripping true crime story.

#arkansas #history #podcast #BuckskinGirl #ColdCase #TrueCrime

Sources:

-Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Case File and Press Release, April 2018.

-DNA Doe Project, “Buckskin Girl Identified as Marcia King,” April 2018.

-National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Case Summary, 2016.

-Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Investigative Report, 1981.

-Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Family of Marcia King Speaks on Identification,” April 2018

.-DNA Doe Project, Annual Report on Genetic Genealogy Successes, 2025.

-U.S. Customs Service, Pollen Analysis Report, 2016.

-Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory, Forensic Analysis Summary, 2018.

-Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cold Case Review, 1980s Midwest Murders, 2010.

In this episode, we explore the origins and history of Arkansas’ School Cave, believed to be the state’s first documented school, established in 1817 by Caleb Lindsey. Tucked within a cave near Ravenden Springs’ Hall’s Creek Canyon, this unique schoolhouse comes to life through its remarkable story.

#Arkansas #History #Podcast #Interesting #Education #School #Cave

This episode explores the astonishing anomaly of diamonds in Arkansas - the only state in America. Formed by volcanic eruptions 100 million years ago, these treasures sparked a frenzy with finds like the massive Uncle Sam, the largest U.S. diamond ever. Hear stories of fortunate visitors at the world’s only public diamond mine, where you can dig and keep your discoveries! Perfect for history fans, treasure hunters, or adventurers. 

#arkansas #history #podcast #education #diamonds

Join us for the gripping story of "Sonny" Liston, a heavyweight boxing legend whose life was as complex as it was compelling. From his mysterious birth and childhood in rural Arkansas, to his rise as a fearsome world champion, Liston’s journey was marked by poverty, crime, and raw talent. Explore his dominant reign, controversial losses to Muhammad Ali, and the mysterious circumstances of his death in Las Vegas, shrouded in conspiracy theories. 

#arkansas #history #podcast #education #boxing #truecrime #conspiracytheories

Alongside our episodes on Arkansas’s history, people, places, events, and folklore, we’re launching a new series highlighting each county monthly, in alphabetical order. In this first installment, we profile Arkansas County, the state’s oldest, established on December 31, 1813. Nestled in the Arkansas Delta, its fertile lands thrive where the Arkansas and White Rivers flow near the Mississippi. Discover the Quapaw’s Osotouy village and Arkansas Post, the lower Mississippi Valley’s first European settlement from 1686. Step back to 1783 for the Revolutionary War’s only battle west of the Mississippi at Arkansas Post. Uncover the Civil War’s Battle of St. Charles and the tragic 1904 St. Charles Massacre. Visit Stuttgart, the “Duck and Rice Capital of the World,” hosting the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival. Taste Gillett’s unique Coon Supper, a raccoon feast tradition since 1933, once attended by Bill Clinton. From DeWitt’s farming roots to the Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas County weaves history and vibrant traditions.

#arkansas #history #podcast

Discover the gritty true story of infamous Wild West outlaw, Dave Rudabaugh. From his humble beginnings in Illinois to his outlaw life in Arkansas, New Mexico, and beyond, we uncover the real history behind this notorious figure. Learn about his crimes, his ties to Billy the Kid, his daring jailbreak, and his brutal end in Mexico. We also debunk the "Arkansas Dave" myth from Young Guns II. 

#Arkansas #Ozarks #History #Podcast #DirtyDave #ArkansasDave #YoungGuns #OldWest #DaveRudabaugh #BillyTheKid #TrueCrime

Discover the chilling story of the 1980 Damascus, Arkansas, Titan II missile silo explosion, a near-catastrophic nuclear incident triggered by a dropped socket. This gripping narrative explores the bravery of airmen, the flaws in nuclear safety, and the lasting impact on a small town. Dive into a night when human error and sheer luck shaped history. 

#ARKANSAS #HISTORY #PODCAST #OZARKS

Join us as we explore Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s epic 1818–1819 journey along Arkansas’s White River! We dive into the 25-year-old geologist’s 900-mile Ozark expedition, discovering minerals, mapping the frontier, and meeting early settlers. Discover how his expedition shaped the region’s future.