A traveling exhibit developed by Arkansas Heritage Old State House Museum based on the acclaimed exhibit and book by Brooks Blevins will be on display at Fort Smith Museum of History's Boyd Gallery June 2 - 30, 2026 Arkansas became a state 190 years ago on June 15, 1836. Since then, the state has been called isolated, lawless, rural, and untamed - but it's also known as The Wonder State, the Land of Opportunity, and the Natural State. But why? This exhibit examines the myths