Arkansas, South Central state in United States
Arkansas is a state in the south-central United States, bordered by Missouri to the north, Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, Louisiana to the south, and Texas and Oklahoma to the west. The landscape shifts from forested highlands and plateaus in the north and west to flatter agricultural plains and wetlands in the south and east.
The territory became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and joined the Union as the 25th state in 1836. During the Civil War, it sided with the Confederacy and was later readmitted after Reconstruction ended in the late 1870s.
Southern blues and gospel music shape local festivals and gatherings, echoing from small-town churches and roadside venues throughout the year. Farmers markets and roadside stands offer regional produce and crafts, where locals gather and visitors can sample homemade goods that reflect generations of rural traditions.
Many state parks and natural areas offer trails, campsites, and river access for hiking and paddling, often with basic facilities and ranger stations. Most routes wind through woods and hills, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are advisable when exploring on foot or by kayak.
Crater of Diamonds State Park allows visitors to dig in an open field for diamonds and keep any they find. More than 75,000 diamonds have been discovered here since the site opened, including stones weighing several carats.
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