Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for May 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 May 17, 1831, the federal Office of Removal and Subsistence West was ordered moved to Little Rock, placing Arkansas at the center of logistics for Indian removal operations tied to treaty obligations, supplies, transport, and westbound movement of Native peoples.
The Skirmish at Little Red River on May 17, 1862, in what is now White County, saw Confederate troops clash with a Federal foraging party near the Little Red River…