Arkansas Geography & Economics – Object #1

Steamboat Des Arc

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<p>In this black and white photograph, the Steamboat Des Arc is docked on an unknown river in Arkansas, loaded with bales of cotton. Two white women stand on top deck, while two black men stand on one of the cotton bales below. People of unknown race are on the left side of the boat, appearing to be loading additional bales from the shore.</p>

The Des Arc steamboat travels on an unidentified river during the Civil War

Questions:

What do we know about the individuals in the photograph and what are they doing?

What economic activities are occurring in Arkansas at the time of this photograph?

How did Arkansas’s river systems influence those activities?

What was the significance of waterways during this time period?

What conclusions can you draw about Arkansas’s economy at this time?

Citations

Huddleston Steamboat Photograph Collection (UALR.PH.0070), UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture.