This Week in Arkansas History, Episode 52: "Mercury Mining"
Channel: Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston
Date: 2014-07-03

Episode 52 features one of the many natural resources that make Arkansas unique. 

Mercury ore was discovered in 1930 in Southwest Arkansas near present-day Lake Greeson. Mining for cinnabar took place (mercury sulfide) along a 30-mile stretch across Pike, Clark and Howard counties. Although the state's mercury industry lasted just a short time, it provided a valuable resource for manufacturing munitions during World War II.

Each episode of "This Week" features notable events, personalities and landmarks that have shaped the state's history. We've adapted these clips for the web to bring you a peek into the Natural State's past that we hope you'll enjoy. Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss the latest episodes!