In 1800, it went back to France and soon after became part of the U.S. as a result of the Louisiana Purchase. Arkansas was driven by an agricultural economy well into this century. Not until the 1950s, in an effort to combat declining revenues and population, did the Arkansas Legislature back a plan to attract industry to the state. Today, it still grows a lot of rice, cotton and soy beans and is one of the largest poultry producers in the world. It also manufactures electronic equipment and wood-related products.
Oil is a major mineral resource, as are natural gas, bauxite and bromine.
The southern part of the state is flatter than the northern Ozark Plateau region. Manufacturing, agriculture, energy products, tourism. Daylight Saving Time is observed April-October.