Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for August 17, and notable births and deaths of native Arkansans born on this date. Information is drawn from state archives, historical societies, contemporary newspapers and other media archives, and legal records. Historical Arkansas events and birthdays occurring on August 17. ChatGPH has collected this data.
Lynching Incident, Phillips County, 1859: An unnamed enslaved man was executed by hanging “at or near the spot where he committed the murder” on August 17, with townspeople present and his body displayed as a warning until the following evening.
Gunfight at Garland County Courthouse, 1910: Sheriff Jake Houpt and his deputy (and brother) Sid attempted to arrest the Chitwood brothers for horse theft. A gunfight ensued at the Garland County Courthouse: George Chitwood was killed, Jake Houpt mortally wounded, and Oscar Chitwood escaped badly injured…