George Maledon, known as the Wild West's “Prince of Hangmen,” was a German-born immigrant, Union Civil War veteran, lawman, and federal-court jail guard whose name became tied to the executions conducted during Judge Isaac C. Parker’s era. Though later legends claimed he personally hanged more than 80 men, historians cannot verify the exact number; what is certain is that Maledon participated in and supervised executions at Fort Smith’s federal gallows before later operating a grocery store and touring with an exhibit built around the court’s dark history. Regardless of the unsettling question of how much of the “Prince of Hangmen” was history, and how much was legend - his name will forever remain attached to the trapdoor.

#Arkansas #History #Podcast #WildWest

This episode of the 1836 Podcast, continues the Counties of Arkansas series but profiling Cleburne County. Cleburne County was created in 1883 as the state’s youngest county. From its early days as a remote Ozark settlement and mineral-springs destination to the dramatic events of the 1918 Draft War, the rise of Heber Springs, and the construction of Greers Ferry Dam, the county’s story is one of transformation. Discover the people, places, conflicts, legends, and natural beauty that shaped Cleburne County—including Greers Ferry Lake, the Little Red River, and the mysterious Water Panther.

This episode of the 1836 Podcast continues the Governors of Arkansas series. Harris Flanagin, born in Roadstown, New Jersey, rose from Quaker-educated teacher and Illinois lawyer to Arkadelphia attorney, Whig legislator, Confederate colonel of the 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles, and seventh governor of Arkansas. Elected in 1862 over Henry Rector, he governed through invasion, shortages, and the fall of Little Rock, then led the Confederate state government in exile at Washington, Arkansas, until 1865. After the war he helped draft the 1874 Arkansas Constitution and died in Arkadelphia, where he is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Arkansas, “Flanagin, Harris”

Encyclopedia of Arkansas, “Flanagin Law Office”

Find a Grave, “Harris Flanagin (1817–1874)”

Genealogy Trails, “Harris Flanagin of Arkansas”

National Governors Association, “Gov. Harris Flanagin”

National Register of Historic Places nomination, Flanagin Law Office

Southwest Times Record, “Gov. Harris Flanagin and the end of the Civil War in Arkansas”

Wikipedia, “1862 Arkansas gubernatorial election”

Wikipedia, “Harris Flanagin”

Wikipedia, “List of governors of Arkansas”

Violet Hensley, the “Whittlin’ Fiddler” of the Ozarks, lived 109 years as a master fiddle maker and traditional musician. Born in 1916 near Mount Ida, Arkansas, she carved instruments by hand, raised nine children, performed for decades at Silver Dollar City, appeared on national television, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at 99. She died August 7, 2026, in Yellville, leaving a lasting legacy of Ozarks craftsmanship and music.

This episode continues the Counties of Arkansas series, but profiling Clay County. Clay Count has a history unlike almost any other place in the state. From railroad boomtowns and agricultural growth to a rare system of two county seats, its story is filled with conflict, change, tragedy, and resilience. Join us as we explore the founding of Clay County, the rise of Corning and Piggott, the railroads that shaped its communities, its complicated racial history, and the people and events that helped define this quiet corner of northeast Arkansas. From the past to the present, this is the story of Clay County.

Sources

- ARGenWeb. “Clay County, Arkansas.”

- Clay County, Arkansas. “Clay County Info.”

- Clay County, Arkansas. Official website.

- Encyclopedia of Arkansas. “Clay County.”

- U.S. Census Bureau. “QuickFacts: Clay County, Arkansas.”

- Wikipedia. “Clay County, Arkansas.”

#Arkansas #history #podcast #arkansashistory #arkansashistorypodcast #claycounty #piggot #corning

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

#Arkansas #History #Podcast #ArkansasHistory

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