Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for March 1, 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.
1926 — Newport Fire devastates downtown. A major fire in Newport (Jackson County) on March 1, 1926 burned roughly 30 city blocks, caused heavy property loss, and (according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas) resulted in one fatality.
1997 — Deadly statewide tornado outbreak. On March 1, 1997, a major severe-weather outbreak produced 17 tornadoes and 25 deaths across Arkansas. The tornado ripped through Arkadelphia and killed six people. Ten people died in Saline County and five died in Pulaski County. The “Interstate 30 Supercell” caused damage along a 75-mile track. A total of 1,200 structures were damaged or destroyed with an estimated loss of $115 million…