Politics of Arkansas in 1990
In 1990, Arkansas was a state governed by the Democratic Party. It had been under Democratic control since Reconstruction, and the party held the majority in both chambers of the state legislature. The Governor at this time was Bill Clinton, who had been elected in 1982 and would go on to become President of the United States in 1993. Clinton was highly popular in Arkansas during this time period, and his leadership helped to bring economic prosperity to the state.
The economy of Arkansas in 1990 was largely driven by agriculture. Cotton and rice were two major crops grown in the state, as well as soybeans, corn, wheat, sorghum, oats, hay and other crops. In addition to agricultural production, timber harvesting also contributed significantly to the economy. Manufacturing also played an important role in Arkansas’s economy during this time period; Ford Motor Company had a plant in Little Rock that produced automobiles for export throughout North America.
In terms of social issues, Arkansas faced a number of challenges during this time period. The infant mortality rate was particularly high compared to other states; it stood at 13 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to a national average of 9 deaths per 1,000 live births at that time. The poverty rate in Arkansas was also higher than average; 20% of Arkansans were living below the poverty line compared with 13% nationally. Education levels were also lower than average; only 14% of Arkansans over 25 years old had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher compared with 22% nationally at that time.
Despite these challenges, there were some positive developments taking place in Arkansas during this time period as well. A new prison system was put into place which emphasized rehabilitation rather than punishment for inmates; this system has since become one of the models used throughout the country for criminal justice reform efforts today. In addition to criminal justice reform efforts there were also education initiatives taking place during this time period; these included efforts to expand pre-kindergarten programs for children from low-income families and increase funding for public schools throughout Arkansas so they could provide students with better educational opportunities and resources.
According to anycountyprivateschools, while there were significant challenges facing Arkansas during 1990 due to social issues such as poverty and disparities between education levels among different groups within the state population there were also positive developments taking place such as reforms within criminal justice system and increased funding for public schools which would help improve conditions for many people living in Arkansas going forward into future years.
Population of Arkansas in 1990
In 1990, Arkansas had a population of 2,350,725 people. This was an increase of 6.3% from the 1980 census figure of 2,211,529. The population was spread across the state with the majority living in the northwest corner near Little Rock and Fort Smith. The largest city in Arkansas at this time was Little Rock with a population of 170,000 people. Other major cities included Fort Smith (population 68,000), Fayetteville (population 39,000), North Little Rock (population 36,000) and Springdale (population 21,500). Check cancermatters for population of Ashley County, Arkansas.
The racial makeup of Arkansas in 1990 was 74.4% white non-Hispanic or Latino; 19.8% black or African American; 1.2% Native American; 1.5% Asian; 0.2% Pacific Islander; 0.9% other races; and 2.1% from two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population made up 3.3%. The gender ratio for the state in 1990 was 50/50 with females accounting for 50 percent of the total population and males accounting for the other half.
In terms of age groups in 1990, 18 percent were under 18 years old while 12 percent were 65 years old or older and the median age for all Arkansans at this time was 33 years old which is slightly lower than that seen nationally at 33 years old as well as lower than that seen in neighboring states like Mississippi where it is 35 years old and Oklahoma where it is 34 years old. Education levels were higher than average with 87 percent having completed high school or higher compared to 83 percent nationally while 32 percent had obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 27 percent nationwide during this same period as well.
Economy of Arkansas in 1990
In 1990, Arkansas had a population of 2,350,725 and a GDP of $68.1 billion. This was an increase of 6.3% from the 1980 census figure of 2,211,529 and a 5.2% increase from the GDP in 1985. The economy of Arkansas was largely based on agriculture and manufacturing with agriculture contributing approximately 8% to the state’s total GDP while manufacturing accounted for around 17%. The largest industry in Arkansas at this time was the food processing industry which accounted for almost 10% of the state’s total economic output followed by chemicals at 8%, transportation equipment at 7%, and paper products at 6%. Check barblejewelry for economy of Baxter County, Arkansas.
The unemployment rate in Arkansas in 1990 was 5.9%, slightly below the national average of 6.2%. The largest employers were Tyson Foods with 21,000 employees, Wal-Mart with 17,000 employees, and JB Hunt with 9,000 employees. Other major employers included International Paper Co., Dillard’s department stores Inc., Donrey Media Group Inc., Weyerhaeuser Company Inc., and Rockwell International Corp.
Income levels in Arkansas were lower than average with median household income standing at $26,737 compared to $30,056 nationally while poverty rates were higher than average with 15 percent living below the poverty line compared to 13 percent nationwide during this same period as well. However, there was some growth during this period as well with median household income increasing 4% from 1985 to 1990 while poverty rates fell slightly from 16 percent to 15 percent over that same time frame as well.
Events held in Arkansas in 1990
In 1990, Arkansas hosted a variety of events for both locals and visitors alike. The annual state fair was held at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock from October 5th-14th and featured a variety of traditional fair activities such as rides, live music, food vendors, livestock shows, and competitions. The annual King Cotton Classic was held in Pine Bluff on October 6th and featured a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
The Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock hosted the Art of the South exhibit from April 19th-June 10th which showcased artwork from regional artists across the south. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre also put on their spring production of “The Miracle Worker” from April 6th-29th.
The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville hosted the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final with Duke defeating Kansas to advance to the Final Four on March 24th. The following day (March 25th), Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville was filled with fans as they watched their beloved Razorbacks defeat Tennessee in an overtime thriller to win their first ever SEC Football Championship game.
The Annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest was held at Stuttgart’s Memorial Park on November 24th with over 4,000 spectators in attendance. Additionally, the Hot Springs Jazz Festival took place from July 20-22nd and featured performances from some of jazz music’s biggest stars including Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock.
