Secretary of State Mark Martin announced that the Capitol’s spring exhibit explores Arkansas’s first settlement and capital.
“This is a fascinating chance to learn about Arkansas Post,” Martin said. “The First Post exhibit includes artifacts recovered during nearly five decades of archeology, and it commemorates both the major Civil War battle 150 years ago, as well as the place that gave the battle its name.”
Arkansas Post was established in 1686 as the first European settlement in what became first the province, then the territory of Louisiana. It was relocated several times over the years. During its history Arkansas Post has served as the capital of the then-new “Arkansaw” Territory, a cotton-shipping point and a Civil War fortification.
In the 1930s, a state park was established, and in 1960, the Arkansas Post National Memorial was established commemorating European exploration and settlement of the lower Mississippi valley.
First Post includes a comprehensive collection of artifacts from archaeological digs, ranging from pottery shards to clay pipes, stone scraper blades to artillery projectiles.
“The First Post exhibit entailed work with several agencies,” Martin said. “We appreciate the cooperation of the Arkansas Archeological Survey; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Park Service – Arkansas Post National Memorial; Arkansas Post Museum State Park; Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas History Commission.”
First Post will remain in the Capitol’s first floor exhibit cases through mid-May.
