The Arkansas Post

Hardy Alton "Spider" Rowland was born in a log cabin in Hardy and became a traveling, gambling, drinking, night club-owning nationally acclaimed columnist for the Arkansas Gazette. Known for his incredible wit and one of a kind writing style, Spider was beloved by readers across the state of Arkansas. But his greatest legacy might have been his contributions to the transformative politics of the GI Revolt, including the governorship of Sidney McMath.

The Little Red River flows Southeast from the Heber Springs Dam of Greer's Ferry Lake, offering one of the most incredible trout fishing experiences available in the United States. The Little Red River held the world record for the largest Brown Trout caught in 1992 by Howard “Rip” Collins weighing in at over 40 lbs. The dedication of the Dam was also President John F. Kennedy's last public speech before his unfortunate death. Visitors can now enjoy the campgrounds named in his honor. We discuss our recent float from Lobo Landing to Dripping Springs, including a special stop at Mossy Shoal.

Across the state of Arkansas, cities and non-profits are working to restore and preserve historic Arkansas structures. We talk with Aaron Ruby, an architect focused on historic preservation, to learn what preservation work can tell us about our history. We also learn about E. Fay Jones and Edward Durell Stone, two internationally acclaimed architects from Arkansas. Aaron's past projects include: Johnny Cash's boyhood home, the Lake Village Tushek building, the Woodruff print shop, P. Allen Smith's garden home, and more.

Most Arkansans have never visited the city of Napoleon, and for good reason; Napoleon is submerged at the bottom of the Mississippi river. We tell the tale of this 1800's settlement destined to become Arkansas' Atlantis.

There is only one Crooked Creek! We interview the director of the Fred Berry Center, Marilyn Doran, and discuss our float on this special creek in Arkansas.

We interview Dr. Jeff Mitchem, lead archeologist at the Parkin Research Station. Dr. Mitchem shares his life's work studying the Casqui tribe and Hernando de Soto's expedition in Arkansas.

Archeologists from the University of Arkansas join us to share their experiences unearthing artifacts from the Crescent Hotel, dry bluff shelters, and the Prairie Grove battlefield.

In 1541, Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto reached the banks of the Mississippi River and became the first European to enter Arkansas.

In 1837, Frederick Gerstacker left Germany to find adventure in the Arkansas frontier. Frederick's journal provides a grand account of the rugged pioneers who settled Arkansas. Encounters with bears and bandits, pioneers and panthers provided Gerstacker the adventure he so desired.

Sid McMath leads a group of ambitious young veterans against the McLaughlin political machine in Hot Springs.

From 1927-1947, Hot Springs mayor Leo McLaughlin ran an “open city” providing a safe retreat for gangsters and gamblers. We explore McLaughlin's political machine and the events leading up to the GI Revolt.

In this episode, we discuss the incredible King's River which starts near Boston, AR near the Kings River Natural Falls Area and continues north towards Missouri where it converges with the White River/Table Rock Lake. We also interview Kings River Outfitter's owner and landscape artist, Ernie Kilman, who has incredible insights and tales from the King's River.