It is remarkable that Arkansans so eagerly participated in the celebration of American independence in 1876, the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The state was still reeling from the disastrous decision to join in the Confederate rebellion, the recent Brooks-Baxter War had dragged Arkansas' blighted image to new depths, and the state faced a staggering debt of $12 million.
It is remarkable that Arkansans so eagerly participated in the celebration of American independence in 1876, the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The state was still reeling from the disastrous decision to join in the Confederate rebellion, the recent Brooks-Baxter War had dragged Arkansas' blighted image to new depths, and the state faced a staggering debt of $12 million.