The French set up the first permanent white settlement in the area of Arkansas in 1686. The area didn't come under control of the U.S. under after the Louisiana Purchase. At first part of the Missouri Territory, it became a separate territory in 1819.

The French explorers called Native Americans in the area the Quapaw and Arkansaw, which resulted in the name Arkansas. It became the 25th state admitted to the union in 1836. That same year, Sam Houston planned the Texas Revolution at the Old Tavern in Washington, Arkansas.

The pronunciation of the name Arkansas as Arkansaw was made official in 1881 by the state legislature.

In 1887, a state geologist discovered bauxite, the ore used to make aluminum, in Arkansas. Mining began within a decade and today, Arkansas still supplies 96 percent of the nation's domestic bauxite. The state also is home to the only diamond mine in the U.S.

A number of famous people are from Arkansas, including William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States and former Arkansas Governor. His President Library opened in Little Rock, Arkansas, in late 2004. He is the only native of the state elected President.

Lower Your Interest Rate in Arkansas

Are you an Arkansas homeowner looking to lower your interest rate? There are loan options available to help. You may want to refinance to reduce your rate or lower your monthly payment by refinancing your first mortgage.1

Or maybe you want to choose a cash-out refi. A cash-out refi can help you consolidate your higher interest rate consumer debt or help you make some home improvements.2 A home equity loan or line of credit may also make sense for that situation.

If you are considering a new home loan, it's a good idea to set your financial goals and do your research.

Countrywide Loans in Arkansas

Countrywide has loan experts ready to help you find the best available loan that meets your needs - for a refinance, home equity loan or equity line of credit. Plus, our loan experts know your community and have helped thousands of Arkansas homeowners obtain mortgages that meet their needs. Let us get you started today with our interactive tools. Or, you can call a Countrywide loan expert at 1-800-224-4207.

1. Refinancing or taking out a home equity loan or line of credit may increase the total number of monthly payments and/or the total amount paid when compared to your current situation.

2. The relative benefits of a consolidation loan may vary over time and will depend on individual circumstances. The longer the property and loan at a new lower rate and term is kept, the more interest savings can be realized when compared to your current situation. The repayment period of a mortgage loan can generally be shortened when additional funds above scheduled monthly mortgage payments are consistently paid and applied to reduce the loan balance

Cities of Arkansas by Population