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.

#arkansas #history #podcast #arkansashistory

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

Henry Massie Rector, Arkansas’s 6th governor, rose from a tough frontier youth to lead the state into the Confederacy. Defeating the powerful political dynasty in 1860, he aggressively pushed secession, seized the Little Rock arsenal, and delivered a fiery response to Lincoln. His turbulent term ended in 1862, after which he served as a private in the militia before resuming farming and land battles. A combative yet determined figure, Rector left a lasting mark on Arkansas history.

Arkansas #history #podcast

On July 3, 1982, a bus takeover in Jasper, Arkansas became one of the state’s most unforgettable true crime tragedies. Keith and Kate Haigler, driven by extreme religious beliefs and their connection to Emory Lamb, held passengers on a Continental Trailways bus before the day ended in a deadly standoff on the Little Buffalo River Bridge. Available on all major platforms.

#arkansas #history #podcast #arkansashistory #buffaloriver #truecrime

Discover the remarkable life of William Obadiah Wood, a Revolutionary War veteran who was born in North Carolina, fought in the Southern Campaign, and later settled in what is now Marion County, Arkansas. From the battlefields of Camden and Eutaw Springs to his final resting place in Layton Cemetery near Yellville, his story connects America’s founding era to the Arkansas frontier.

Sources

• Revolutionary pension record / service summary: The pension application PDF is the best source for his Revolutionary War service, his move to Arkansas to be near children, and the pension transfer date.[revwarapps]
• Birth, death, and burial details: Arkansas Connections and FamilySearch both give his birth in Wake County, North Carolina, and his death in Marion County, Arkansas, with burial at Layton Cemetery.[arkansasconnections]
• Local Marion County recognition: The Marion County Heritage Society and KTLO event listing identify him as a Revolutionary War patriot buried in Marion County and note modern remembrance at his grave.[facebook]
• County history / burial documentation: The Arkansas DAR grave-site chart and the older “Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Arkansas” compilation support his place among Arkansas Revolutionary War burials.[arssar]
• Pension and service details:[revwarapps]
• Birth/death/burial:[ancestors.familysearch]
• Marion County legacy and grave marking:[ktlo]
• Arkansas burial context:[jstor]

Discover the remarkable true story of William Jackson Smart—the Civil War veteran, twice-widowed father of 14, and single dad whose quiet devotion inspired America’s Father’s Day. Born in 1842 in rural Arkansas, Smart fought on both sides of the Civil War before building a large blended family and raising his children with unwavering strength after losing two wives. His daughter Sonora’s love for him led to the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington, in 1910. A tale of resilience, sacrifice, and fatherhood that changed how we honor dads. Perfect for history buffs, families, and anyone celebrating Father’s Day.

#Arkansas #History #Podcast

This episode of the 1836 Podcast continues the Counties of Arkansas series by profiling Clark County. From its founding in 1818 as part of Missouri Territory and its naming after explorer William Clark, to the rise of Arkadelphia as the permanent county seat in 1842, discover the stories of early settlers like Jacob Barkman, the "Father of Clark County," river commerce, Civil War skirmishes, and the growth of timber and education. Explore the county's natural beauty, its role as home to Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University, notable residents, community festivals, and local legends such as the mysterious Gurdon Light.

Sources

- Encyclopedia of Arkansas on Clark County

- Wikipedia: Clark County, Arkansas

- Ouachita Baptist University historical archives

- Clark County Historical Association and county resources

- Local festivals (Mule Festival, Mid-South Music Festival)

- Accounts of the Gurdon Light folklore collections