Published Aug 29, 2015

Here Are The 6 Best Cities In Arkansas If You’re Single

Published Aug 29, 2015

Written by

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Few People Know Arkansas Was Home To The First Dillard’s Department Store In America

Dillard’s, a major department store, was founded in Arkansas and has grown into a top-ranking fashion retailer in America.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by

Melanie Johnson

It is widely known that the retail giant Walmart began in Arkansas. But did you know that Dillard's, the major department store, was established here as well? That’s right, this upscale retailer was founded in Arkansas, and the stores have been a staple in communities nationwide for decades. Knowing that the vision for this retailer began in the small town of Nashville is something to take pride in. If you love shopping in Arkansas, you should know the story behind the first Dillard’s in the US, and learn all about its origin.

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At the tender age of 12, William T. Dillard began his retail journey when he worked at his father’s mercantile store in the sleepy little town of Mineral Springs.

alt — Valis55, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

So, it is safe to say that it made sense for Dillard to follow on the same path.

In 1938, William invested in his first store called T.J. Dillard’s using funds that he borrowed from his father. The store was in the nearby town of Nashville, Arkansas, and it paved the way for the department retail giant, Dillard’s.

alt — Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

From there, William partnered with Wooten’s Department Store in Texarkana. After gaining success, William was able to purchase Wooten’s store in 1948. Shortly thereafter, Dillard’s expanded into states like Texas and Oklahoma.

With its headquarters in Little Rock, the family-owned store is one of the top-ranking fashion retailers in America.

alt — Trey Willis/Google

Today, Dillard’s has 250 locations as well as 32 clearance centers in over 20 states across the nation. In addition, dillards.com has been a great space for online shoppers.

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alt — Debisree Ray/Google

The stores can be found in malls across America, and there are 8 stores scattered throughout Arkansas.

alt — Ethan Shoe/Google

The upscale retailer focuses on providing its customers with carefully curated as well as high-quality merchandise at a reasonable price. Items include fashion apparel, jewelry, beauty products, home decor, and more.

alt — Debisree Ray/Google

Though there have been some recent store closings, this family-owned retailer will continue to make its mark in the industry. It has been 85 years since the first Dillard’s in America was established right here in Arkansas, and it’s great to be connected to such a legacy.

alt — Debisree Ray/Google

So, did you know that Dillard’s Department Store was founded in Arkansas? Tell us what you think about this retailer in the comments below.

What are some of your favorite spots for shopping in Arkansas? Is it Dillard's Department Store? If you would like to visit one of the locations in Arkansas, check out Dillard’s website for the one closest to you.

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your own home, check out our Amazon storefront for some of our favorite products!

Aside from Dillard’s, Arkansas is widely known for its diamond mine. In fact, the only public diamond mine in America is here in our great state. Something else for us to take pride in, don’t you agree?

Published Apr 15, 2024

This Is The Most Arkansas Sound You’ll Ever Hear, And We Can’t Stop Listening To It

Published Apr 15, 2024

Written by

Melanie Johnson

Between the spring peepers, cicadas, screeching owls, and other critters, there are lots of nature sounds in Arkansas that trigger fond childhood memories. With over 18 million acres of forestland, we can expect thousands of species of insects and animals to call the Natural State home. There is one animal sound that stands out amongst the rest and it’s the sweet melodies of the southern mockingbird. This lovely songbird has the most angelic vocals that you can imagine and it’s one of the favorite nature sounds of Arkansans. It’s no wonder that this creature was named the official state bird, and we can’t get enough of its nostalgic tunes during the day. Read on to discover more about one of the sweetest sounds you’ll hear in Arkansas.

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Designated as the official state bird of Arkansas in 1929, the northern mockingbird can be found all throughout the state.

alt — Karen Roussel/flickr

The songbird is also the official state bird for Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

alt — Ken Thomas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mockingbirds primarily live in the south year-round (shown in green on the map above), and never migrate. I mean why would they, we have the best weather!

These medium-sized gray birds, scientifically named Mimus Polyglottos, or “mimic of many tongues” have certainly earned their name.

alt — DickDaniels (http://theworldbirds.org/), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

They can mimic the sounds of other animals including other bird species, dogs, frogs, lizards, humans, and even noises from manmade objects.

alt — Renee Grayson/flickr

But don’t let that fool you, these songbirds have over 200 melodies that are unique to their species. So, their vocal abilities are truly unmatched.

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You can hear the sweet sounds of these birds all day long in Arkansas, triggering a fondness for when life was much simpler.

alt — Matthew Paulson/flickr

At night, the male mockingbird is usually singing his way into his next love interest heart.

Not only are the songbirds vocally incredible, but they are also helpful to farmers. They help to regulate the bug population on farmlands throughout the state.

alt — Andrew Weitzel/flickr

Moreover, the mockingbird is so loved that it is a staple in pop culture, showing up in movies, novels, lullabies, and more.

alt — Pioneer Library System/flickr

Another interesting fact about the mockingbird is that they can be territorial especially during nesting season. Take my word, don't mess with them...you have been warned!

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alt — Doug Greenberg/flickr

If for some reason, you have never stopped and listened to the nostalgic melodies of the mockingbird, here’s a video by Cornell Lab of Ornithology of what it sounds like:

So, the next time you see a mockingbird in nature, pause, listen to its sweet melodious calls, and remember the days when life in Arkansas was much simpler.

alt — Renee Grayson/flickr

Did you know that the mockingbird was the official state bird of Arkansas? Do you agree with us that it’s one of the favorite nature sounds of Arkansans? Tell us in the comments below.

Want to hear about more animals that make nostalgic nature sounds? Check out our article telling you all about spring peepers in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/spring-peepers-frogs-ar/

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