Early French & Spanish Days
Who was the French explorer nicknamed "The Iron Hand" who founded Arkansas Post in 1686?
Henri de Tonti
What major river served as a "liquid highway" for western farmers shipping crops?
The Mississippi River
Which U.S. President bought the Louisiana Territory from France?
Thomas Jefferson
What event in 1803–1804 saw the flags over Arkansas change from Spain to France to the USA?
The Three Flags Ceremony
What document did Thomas Jefferson flip through to see if a President could buy foreign land?
The U.S. Constitution
Which Native American tribe formed a vital trading alliance with the French at Arkansas Post in 1686?
The Quapaw
What vital port city sat at the mouth of the Mississippi River?
New Orleans
How much total money did the U.S. pay for the Louisiana Territory?
$15 million
Name the two leaders sent by Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to explore southern Arkansas.
William Dunbar and George Hunter
What trade item made from bears was transported in canoes by French trappers?
Bear Oil
Why did Arkansas Post have to move 4 different times during its early history?
Flooding, mosquitoes, or river fevers
What was the "Right to Deposit"?
Permission for American farmers to store crops in New Orleans warehouses tax-free.
Why did Napoleon suddenly decide to abandon his American empire and sell Louisiana?
Defeat in Haiti (and needing war money against Britain)
What river did Dunbar and Hunter travel up to explore Arkansas?
The Ouachita River
What tool did Dr. George Hunter use to test the hot springs water temperature?
A thermometer
What secret 1762 treaty transferred Arkansas from French control to Spanish rule?
Treaty of Fontainebleau
Which French ruler made a secret deal in 1800 to take Louisiana back from Spain?
Napoleon Bonaparte
About how much did the Louisiana Purchase cost per acre?
About 3 cents per acre
What natural wonder did Dunbar and Hunter measure at 150°F in December 1804?
Hot Springs
He lost his hand in a grenade explosion. His hand was then replaced with a metal prosthetic
Why did daily life at Arkansas Post remain French even after Spain took official control?
Very few Spanish settlers moved there, so French settlers stayed and kept speaking French- maintaining their customs
What was the name of the secret 1800 treaty that gave Louisiana back to France?
Treaty of San Ildefonso
How did the Louisiana Purchase change the physical size of the United States overnight?
It doubled the size of the nation
Why was establishing an "Initial Point" (Point Zero) in an Eastern Arkansas swamp important after 1803?
To survey and draw official property lines so land could be sold to settlers.
How did Thomas Jefferson legally justify making the Louisiana Purchase without changing the Constitution?
He called it a foreign "Territorial Treaty"