Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for August 8, with notable births and deaths of people with Arkansas connections for this date. Information is drawn from state archives, historical societies, contemporary newspapers and other media archives, and legal records. Much of this information comes from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, an online publication. ChatGPH has collected this data.
1862 — Union naval expedition returned to Helena. A flotilla of Union gunboats, rams and transports reached Helena at daybreak on August 8, completing the White River Expedition that began three days earlier. The operation advanced Union forces up the White River and encountered little organized Confederate resistance. Its only reported casualty was a Third Missouri Infantry soldier who fell overboard and was never recovered.
1881 — A killing led to the controversial execution of Whit Brown. Timberman Robert Yonley traveled to Red Bluff in Jefferson County on August 8 to inspect business interests. His body was later recovered from the Arkansas River. Whit Brown, a Black laborer, was convicted of killing Yonley during an alleged card-game robbery and was hanged at Pine Bluff on February 24, 1882, while maintaining his innocence…