Explore America: Arkansas

Explore America and discover people, places, art, and history that connect to Arkansas in the Smithsonian’s collections. Known for the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the relaxing properties of its hot springs, and its abundant of wildlife, including the mockingbird, the state’s bird—Arkansas’ nickname is “The Natural State.” Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. President, was born in Hope. Hattie Caraway also hailed from Arkansas; she was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Arkansas is famous for its quartz fields, and the Berns Quartz is an 8,000-pound quartz found in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains. Johnny Cash, called “The Man in Black” because of his signature dark clothing, was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, in 1932 and raised in Dyess, Arkansas. Cash’s music spanned genres from country and blues to rock ’n’ roll. Louis Jordan, known as "The King of the Jukebox," was from Brinkley and toured the state as a child with his father's Brinkley Brass Band before fronting his own band. Jordan also penned hits such as "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" and "Saturday Night Fish Fry."