We love looking at and learning more about Arkansas history, especially when it’s caught on camera. It’s almost as if we take photographs for granted since they’re so commonplace in the 21st century. It’s worthwhile to cherish these historic photos of Arkansas. Everything had value in days when people had so little. Depression-era photographers Arthur Rothstein and Ben Shahn are much appreciated for taking pictures throughout the summer and autumn of 1935 of Arkansas homes and families, sharing with us a part of the past that absolutely must be remembered. Ready to take a walk down memory lane?
- Road to Marked Tree
photogrammar.yale.edu Photographer Ben Shahn took this October 1935 on a road leading to the town of Marked Tree, Arkansas. Note the advertising of the Marked Tree Bank, a poignant sign attempting to give hope in hard times.
- West Memphis Liquor Store
photogrammar.yale.edu How much has West Memphis changed? This picture was taken in October 1935 outside of a local liquor store. West Memphis is still seen as one of Arkansas’s more prominent cities of vice.
- 4-H Club Member
photogrammar.yale.edu This proud young man, one of the children of the Dyess colony, was photographed in Mississippi County by Arthur Rothstein in August 1935.
- Sixty Cents a Day
photogrammar.yale.edu These Pulaski County field workers, who only earned sixty cents a day for hard labor, stood for this picture taken in October 1935 by Ben Shahn.
- Boone County Family
photogrammar.yale.edu The impoverished Boone County family of a Resettlement Administration client were photographed by Ben Shahn in October 1935.
- Pulaski County Cotton Field Workers
photogrammar.yale.edu These Pulaski County field workers pause for a moment during a day of hard work for this picture taken by Ben Shahn in October 1935.
- Malnourished Child
photogrammar.yale.edu Arthur Rothstein photographed this Mississippi County child on the Wilson cotton plantation. The photo was taken in August 1935, and the photographer notes that the child was suffering from both malnutrition and rickets, common ailments for poor children in the 1930s.
- Zinc Storefront
photogrammar.yale.edu The town of Zinc’s population was dwindling by the time this October 1935 picture was taken by Ben Shahn.
- Blind Street Musician
photogrammar.yale.edu Ben Shahn took a great photograph of this blind street musician in West Memphis in October 1935.
- Canning Corn
photogrammar.yale.edu The women in this picture are demonstrating the process of canning corn at community canning kitchen near Atkins, Arkansas. The photograph was taken in August 1935 by Arthur Rothstein.
- Arkansas Gothic
photogrammar.yale.edu This photograph of a Boone County husband and wife (almost reminiscent of the famous ‘American Gothic’ portrait by Grant Wood) was taken in October 1935 by Ben Shahn.
- Mississippi County Sharecropper’s Daughter
photogrammar.yale.edu This young girl, a sharecropper’s daughter, looks as if she’s enjoying a moment of rest from daily chores on this Mississippi County farm. The photo was taken by Arthur Rothstein in August 1935.
For those Arkansans who lived during these times, keep sharing your inspirational stories! Generations to come will be eager to know about this bygone era and how strong their forebears had to be to endure nearly insurmountable and difficult situations. The question also still remains: What traits of these strong people still remain in modern-day Arkansas residents? Let us know in the comments below!
photogrammar.yale.edu
Photographer Ben Shahn took this October 1935 on a road leading to the town of Marked Tree, Arkansas. Note the advertising of the Marked Tree Bank, a poignant sign attempting to give hope in hard times.
How much has West Memphis changed? This picture was taken in October 1935 outside of a local liquor store. West Memphis is still seen as one of Arkansas’s more prominent cities of vice.
This proud young man, one of the children of the Dyess colony, was photographed in Mississippi County by Arthur Rothstein in August 1935.
These Pulaski County field workers, who only earned sixty cents a day for hard labor, stood for this picture taken in October 1935 by Ben Shahn.
The impoverished Boone County family of a Resettlement Administration client were photographed by Ben Shahn in October 1935.
These Pulaski County field workers pause for a moment during a day of hard work for this picture taken by Ben Shahn in October 1935.
Arthur Rothstein photographed this Mississippi County child on the Wilson cotton plantation. The photo was taken in August 1935, and the photographer notes that the child was suffering from both malnutrition and rickets, common ailments for poor children in the 1930s.
The town of Zinc’s population was dwindling by the time this October 1935 picture was taken by Ben Shahn.
Ben Shahn took a great photograph of this blind street musician in West Memphis in October 1935.
The women in this picture are demonstrating the process of canning corn at community canning kitchen near Atkins, Arkansas. The photograph was taken in August 1935 by Arthur Rothstein.
This photograph of a Boone County husband and wife (almost reminiscent of the famous ‘American Gothic’ portrait by Grant Wood) was taken in October 1935 by Ben Shahn.
This young girl, a sharecropper’s daughter, looks as if she’s enjoying a moment of rest from daily chores on this Mississippi County farm. The photo was taken by Arthur Rothstein in August 1935.
What did you think of these historic photos of Arkansas? For more beautiful photographs, be sure to join our Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook Page.
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Address: Marked Tree, AR 72365, USAAddress: West Memphis, AR, USAAddress: Boone County, AR, USAAddress: Mississippi County, AR, USAAddress: Pulaski County, AR, USAAddress: Zinc, AR 72601, USAAddress: Atkins, AR 72823, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic photos of Arkansas November 01, 2020 Jackie Ann What are the most beautiful places in Arkansas? When it comes to beautiful places, Arkansas surely doesn’t disappoint. The Natural State is just chock-full of scenic parks, beautiful towns, and natural areas with views so incredible, they’ll take your breath away. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a charming town full of unique history, picturesque views, and spring waters beloved to hold medicinal properties. For sweeping views, head over to Whitaker Point in Kingston, just be careful on the trail because it is rather challenging and dangerous at points, but the mountain views are worth it. For a safer view, try Mount Magazine, Arkansas’ highest mountain. From the peak, you’ll have jaw-droppingly gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys below. Where can I find more of the best photos of Arkansas? Looking through photos of Arkansas can be an inspirational tool for planning out your next adventure. In addition to Only In Arkansas’ Instagram Page, you can also join the Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook Page, where you’ll find daily submissions of some of the best photos in Arkansas taken by community members just like you. Where should I go to take photos of Arkansas? No matter what you’re looking to photograph, you’ll find it in Arkansas. The Natural State is home to countless charming towns, mountain views, waterfalls, and caverns that would make any outdoor explorer reach for their camera to capture the moment. The trails at Petit Jean State Park will lead you to stunning scenery, while towns like Eureka Springs, Jasper, or El Dorado all offer both lovely views mixed in with fascinating history and incredible architecture, great for those on the hunt for urban shots.
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic photos of Arkansas
November 01, 2020
Jackie Ann
What are the most beautiful places in Arkansas? When it comes to beautiful places, Arkansas surely doesn’t disappoint. The Natural State is just chock-full of scenic parks, beautiful towns, and natural areas with views so incredible, they’ll take your breath away. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a charming town full of unique history, picturesque views, and spring waters beloved to hold medicinal properties. For sweeping views, head over to Whitaker Point in Kingston, just be careful on the trail because it is rather challenging and dangerous at points, but the mountain views are worth it. For a safer view, try Mount Magazine, Arkansas’ highest mountain. From the peak, you’ll have jaw-droppingly gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys below. Where can I find more of the best photos of Arkansas? Looking through photos of Arkansas can be an inspirational tool for planning out your next adventure. In addition to Only In Arkansas’ Instagram Page, you can also join the Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook Page, where you’ll find daily submissions of some of the best photos in Arkansas taken by community members just like you. Where should I go to take photos of Arkansas? No matter what you’re looking to photograph, you’ll find it in Arkansas. The Natural State is home to countless charming towns, mountain views, waterfalls, and caverns that would make any outdoor explorer reach for their camera to capture the moment. The trails at Petit Jean State Park will lead you to stunning scenery, while towns like Eureka Springs, Jasper, or El Dorado all offer both lovely views mixed in with fascinating history and incredible architecture, great for those on the hunt for urban shots.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to beautiful places, Arkansas surely doesn’t disappoint. The Natural State is just chock-full of scenic parks, beautiful towns, and natural areas with views so incredible, they’ll take your breath away. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a charming town full of unique history, picturesque views, and spring waters beloved to hold medicinal properties. For sweeping views, head over to Whitaker Point in Kingston, just be careful on the trail because it is rather challenging and dangerous at points, but the mountain views are worth it. For a safer view, try Mount Magazine, Arkansas’ highest mountain. From the peak, you’ll have jaw-droppingly gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys below.
Where can I find more of the best photos of Arkansas?
Looking through photos of Arkansas can be an inspirational tool for planning out your next adventure. In addition to Only In Arkansas’ Instagram Page, you can also join the Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook Page, where you’ll find daily submissions of some of the best photos in Arkansas taken by community members just like you.
Where should I go to take photos of Arkansas?
No matter what you’re looking to photograph, you’ll find it in Arkansas. The Natural State is home to countless charming towns, mountain views, waterfalls, and caverns that would make any outdoor explorer reach for their camera to capture the moment. The trails at Petit Jean State Park will lead you to stunning scenery, while towns like Eureka Springs, Jasper, or El Dorado all offer both lovely views mixed in with fascinating history and incredible architecture, great for those on the hunt for urban shots.
