Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for May 16, 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.
On May 16, 1837, Arkansas’s Antiquarian and Natural History Society was officially organized in Little Rock, one of the earliest formal scientific and historical organizations in the young state.
On May 16, 1861, Arkansas’ new Military Board named Benjamin C. Totten of Prairie County as its first advisory member after the Secession Convention had authorized the board to raise and direct forces for the state…