1836 Podcast

Jurassic Parkansas | The Rise & Fall of Dinosaur World and the Land of Kong

Hidden in the Ozarks near Eureka Springs lies the forgotten story of Dinosaur World, later known as John Agar’s Land of Kong—one of Arkansas’s strangest roadside attractions. Built in 1967 by eccentric entrepreneur Ola Farwell with the help of sculptor Emmet Sullivan, the park featured life-sized concrete dinosaurs, cavemen, and a towering 40-foot King Kong statue tied to Hollywood actor John Agar. This episode explores the rise and fall of the once-popular Ozark attraction, its connections to Hollywood, classic monster movies and roadside Americana, and how the abandoned park became an eerie, overgrown relic reclaimed by the forest. Dinosaurs #Hollywood

Chicot County, Arkansas

This episode of the 1836 podcast, continues the counties of Arkansas series, by profiling Chicot County. Chicot County, Arkansas, is a land shaped by water, history, and resilience. From the ancient formation of Lake Chicot—the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in North America—to the rich Delta soil that fueled the Cotton Kingdom, this episode explores the county’s remarkable story. Discover Native American heritage, French exploration, the legend of Hernando de Soto’s burial, the rise of plantation agriculture, and the Civil War events that left lasting scars on the region. Learn about the enduring legacy of African American communities, influential figures like Robert L. Hill and Ruby Grant Martin, and the traditions that continue to define Lake Village and the surrounding Delta. Through folklore, river legends, and generations of perseverance, Chicot County stands as one of Arkansas’s most historic and fascinating places. Available on all major platforms. #Arkansas #History #Podcast

John Seldon Roane, Arkansas 4th Governor

This episode of the 1836 Podcast continues the Arkansas Governors series by sharing the remarkable and complicated life of John Selden Roane — lawyer, soldier, duelist, and the youngest person ever elected Governor of Arkansas. From his early days in Tennessee to building a career in frontier Arkansas, Roane rose fast. He became Speaker of the Arkansas House, fought heroically in the Mexican-American War (commanding troops at Buena Vista), famously dueled Albert Pike, and was elected governor at just 32 years old in 1849. As governor, he championed roads, education, and state development. Later, he served as a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War. His story mirrors the ambition, conflict, and transformation of both Arkansas and America in the 1800s. A true frontier leader whose legacy is still felt in the Natural State.  Available on all major platforms.  #Arkansas #History #Podcast #ArkansasHistory #JohnSeldenRoane #MexicanAmericanWar #CivilWar #AmericanHistory

Cora Hebner

In 1938, the quiet town of Pocahontas became the center of one of America’s most shocking true-crime cases. When a skeleton was discovered beneath a storm cellar on the Hebner property, authorities uncovered a chilling story of deception, fraud, and murder. At the heart of it all was Cora Hebner—an intelligent, composed woman whose “lonely hearts” marriage scams had already left a trail of broken lives across several states. As investigators pieced together the mystery of her missing husband, Will Hebner, the case drew national attention. But before she could stand trial, Cora took her own life, leaving behind a defiant note and countless unanswered questions. Her story remains one of Arkansas’s most fascinating and unsettling tales—a haunting mix of romance, greed, betrayal, and secrets buried deep in the Ozarks. #arkansas #history #podcast

Heck Thomas

This episode of the 1836 Podcast, shares the story of Heck Thomas. Henry Andrew "Heck" Thomas was a legendary Old West lawman and United States Deputy Marshal based out of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is credited with bringing order to the lawless "Indian Territory" and is most famous as one of the "Three Guardsmen," a trio of elite marshals who arrested or killed over 300 outlaws. #Arkansas #History #Podcast #Educational