Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for July 17, 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 July 17, 1885, David Akles, a Black man also listed as Ackles, was hanged at Helena for the alleged murder of Frank Burrell and Scilla Flanagan. Contemporary accounts described the execution as a public spectacle, with thousands present.
On July 17, 1953, the Arkansas State Press, the civil-rights weekly founded by L.C. and Daisy Bates, carried the headline “Negro Soldiers Given Lesson in White Supremacy in Sheridan,” reporting racial discrimination against Black soldiers traveling through Arkansas…