This episode of the 1836 Podcast shares the remarkable life of Jimmy Driftwood, the Ozark bard who turned history lessons into Grammy-winning songs. From his humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to crafting iconic folk tunes like “The Battle of New Orleans,” Driftwood wove education, preservation, and advocacy into his music. Discover how this teacher-turned-musician founded the Ozark Folk Center, championed the Buffalo National River, and left an enduring cultural legacy. 

#ARKANSAS #OZARKS #HISTORY #PODCAST

This episode of the 1836 Podcast shares the untamed world of Friedrich Gerstäcker, the 19th-century German adventurer whose daring Arkansas exploits echo Mark Twain's Mississippi tales—but with fiercer grit and a hunter's edge. Born in Hamburg in 1816, Gerstäcker ditched a stifling apprenticeship for American freedom, landing in the Ozarks in 1838. We'll explore his life from savage bear attacks and epic hunts to his fame from his writings, which sparked German immigration waves—maybe even luring your own ancestors across the Atlantic.

#arkansas #history #podcast #hunt #bear #attack

Discover the incredible story of Robert Franklin “Buster” Scott, the Ozark legend from Snowball, Arkansas, known for his massive size 42 feet! Born in 1911, Buster turned hardship into opportunity, touring carnivals in the 1930s to showcase his extraordinary feet, earning enough to buy a farm. A gentle giant with a knack for humor, he became a folk hero in Searcy County, leaving giant footprints in the Ozarks. 

#Arkansas #History #Folklore #Ozarks #Podcast

In this installment of the Arkansas County Series, we explore Baxter County. From prehistoric rock art and Osage roots to Jacob Wolf’s 1810 trading post and the 1892 assassination of Sheriff Abraham G. Byler—the state’s first documented sheriff killing—this Ozark gem’s story unfolds. Explore its Civil War struggles, the creation of Norfork and Bull Shoals dams, and its rise as a trout fishing and tourism haven. Join us for a journey through Baxter County’s resilient past! 

#Arkansas #History #Podcast #MountainHome #WhiteRiver #Norfork #Gassville #Cotter #Ozarks

This episode shares the life of Bill Doolin, the Arkansas-born outlaw who rose from a member of the Dalton Gang to the leader of the infamous "Wild Bunch", Doolin-Dalton Gang. From risky train heists to the deadly Battle of Ingalls, follow Doolin’s path of crime, his dramatic 1896 capture, daring jailbreak, and bloody end. Discover the legacy of this Wild West legend in a tale of grit and lawlessness!

#Arkansas #Ozarks #History #podcast #WildWest #BillDoolin #OutlawHistory #WildBunch #DaltonGang

Discover the legendary life of Paul "Bear" Bryant, the iconic college football coach born in Moro Bottom, Arkansas. From wrestling a bear at 13 to leading Fordyce High to a state championship, Bryant's Arkansas roots shaped his grit and determination. Follow his journey from a star player at Alabama to coaching greatness, with six national championships and 13 SEC titles. Learn about humble beginnings in Arkansas, his revolutionary strategies, and his final days in 1983. A tribute to a football legend whose legacy lives on.

#arkansas #history #podcast #collegefootball #alabama #rolltide #bama #rtr

This episode shares the story of James Black, the 19th-century blacksmith who crafted the legendary Bowie knife and possibly the Arkansas Toothpick. From his early days as a runaway silversmith to forging iconic blades in frontier Arkansas, explore Black’s triumphs, tragedies, and enduring legacy into his knives that shaped America. 

#arkansas #history #podcast #education #bladesmith #blacksmith #bowieknife

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.