Arkansas , state in the south-central United States. It is bordered by Tennessee and Mississippi, across the Mississippi R. (E), Louisiana (S), Texas and Oklahoma (W), and Missouri (N). A major cotton-producing state in the 19th cent., Arkansas has since diversified its agricultural production and overall economy. Cotton is still an important crop, but ranks below soybeans and rice. Arkansas has become a leading producer of poultry, raising over one billion broiler chickens a year; turkeys, dairy goods, and catfish are also important. The state's most important mineral products are petroleum, bromine and bromine compounds, and natural gas, and it is the nation's leading bauxite producer. Principal manufactures are food products, chemicals, lumber and paper goods, electrical equipment, furniture, automobile and airplane parts, and machinery. The Pine Bluff Arsenal is among military installations contributing to the Arkansas economy. In 1682, Robert La Salle's lieutenant, Henri de Tonti, established Arkansas Post, the first white settlement in the Arkansas area. La Salle claimed the Mississippi valley for France, and the region became part of the French territory of Louisiana. The French ceded the Louisiana territory to Spain in 1762 but regained it before it passed to the United States under the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Arkansas became part of the Territory of Missouri in 1812. The cotton boom of 1818 brought the first large wave of settlers, and the Southern plantation system, moving west, fixed itself in the alluvial plains of S and E Arkansas. In 1819 the area was made a separate entity, and the first territorial legislature met at Arkansas Post. The capital was moved to Little Rock in 1821. Arkansas achieved statehood in 1836.

Charming small towns provide a restful reprieve from the hurried pace of modern life. For people wanting to retire or relocate, Arkansas apartment rentals and housing provide a wide variety of choices especially rural and lake property. The overall cost of living is rated below the national average. Rent and utilities are lower than many other major cities. Arkansas apartment rentals are some of the lowest in the entire country.

Officially known as The Natural State, Arkansas is known throughout the country for its natural beauty, clear lakes and streams and abundance of natural wildlife. The great fishing lakes of Arkansas are among its most prized possession. They are among the cleanest in the world. Arkansas has spas that include the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park. It is ranked eighth in the nation for industry and is still the number one producer of rice and poultry. The Arkansas creed states that Arkansas is the land of opportunity and promise. Arkansas apartment rentals and housing offer many choices for those wishing to take advantage of the many opportunities.

Arkansas boasts abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures. Its natural beauty includes waterfalls, wild caving experiences, forested mountain trails and scenic drives. Arkansas offers world-class scenic golf courses, thoroughbred horse racing, and greyhound dog racing. Some of the best priced apartment rentals and housing can be found in Arkansas. Arkansas is renowned for fishing, hunting and water sports of all sorts. Diamond prospecting is another one-of-a-kind adventure offered by the state.

Some of Arkansas colleges and universities offer free tuition or tuition discounts to seniors 60 and older. Arkansas has 10 universities from which to choose. University of Arkansas was named to Americas 100 best college buys for the sixth year in a row. Public and private schools provide young people a wonderful education. Students can find reasonably priced housing and apartments in Arkansas.