Titanic Thompson: America’s Greatest Hustler

Born Alvin Clarence Thomas on an Arkansas hog farm, he left home at 16 and became the most legendary gambler of the 20th century. He earned the name “Titanic” after cleaning out a Joplin pool hall, won a riverboat in a dice game, walked away from five killings, and left the Army rich after gambling with his own men. As a golfer he beat pros like Ben Hogan and ran impossible proposition bets—throwing a lead-filled walnut over a hotel or driving a ball 500 yards on ice.

He played in the poker game that left mob boss Arnold Rothstein deep in debt just before Rothstein’s murder. Damon Runyon modeled Sky Masterson of Guys and Dolls after him. He made millions, lost millions, and died nearly broke in Texas in 1974. From Ozarks farm boy to the biggest tables in America—he always set the odds.

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This episode of the 1836 Podcast continues the Governor of Arkansas series by profiling the remarkable but little-known story of Thomas Fletcher, who served as Acting Governor of Arkansas for just 11 days in November 1862 during the height of the Civil War. Born in Tennessee in 1817, Fletcher rose from U.S. Marshal in Mississippi to President of the Arkansas Senate and a key figure in the Confederate state government-in-exile. Explore his journey as a lawyer, politician, and statesman whose brief leadership helped ensure continuity in turbulent times. Available on all major platforms.

Sources:

Arkansas Senate Historical Records

Find a Grave

Historica Wiki

WikiTree

Wikipedia

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In the summer of 1975, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were cruising through Arkansas on a scenic drive when a simple lunch stop in Fordyce turned into rock 'n' roll legend. Pulled over for reckless driving, police searched their rented yellow Impala and found a small amount of illegal narcotics belonging to a companion. Keith was also cited for a weapons charge. The arrest sparked a media circus in the tiny town as fans and news crews swarmed City Hall. Thanks to their attorney, the Stones were released that night and made their Dallas show. Keith later opened his memoir “Life” with the story, and in 2006 Governor Mike Huckabee pardoned him for the reckless driving charge. A classic clash between rock rebellion and small-town Arkansas. Available on all major platforms. Sources:- Encyclopedia of Arkansas: “Arrest of the Rolling Stones”- Keith Richards’ memoir “Life” (2010)- News reports via KATV, THV11, and Arkansas Road Stories- Governor Mike Huckabee’s 2006 pardon records#Arkansas #History #Podcast #rollingstones #Fordyce