Ky Laffoon

Ky Laffoon

This episode of the 1836 Podcast shares the story of Ky Laffoon. Ky Laffoon was born in Zinc, Arkansas and became a golfer who rose to national prominence during golf’s Depression-era years. In this episode, we look at his early life, his rise in the game, his Ryder Cup appearance, his reputation as a gifted teacher and fiery competitor, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

Elias Nelson Conway, The 5th Governor of Arkansas

This episode of the 1836 Podcast continues the Governors of Arkansas series, by profiling the 5th Governor of Arkansas, Elias Nelson Conway, who served as Governor of Arkansas from 1852 to 1860 — one of the longest and most impactful terms in the state’s early history. Born in Tennessee in 1812 and raised in Missouri, Conway arrived in Arkansas Territory as a young man and quickly rose through the ranks as a surveyor and the state’s first Auditor. A key member of the powerful Conway political dynasty known as “The Family,” he brought fiscal responsibility and steady leadership during a time of rapid growth in antebellum Arkansas. As governor, Conway tackled the state’s massive banking debts from failed institutions, reformed finances, improved roads and infrastructure, supported early railroads, and established the state geologist position. Under his leadership, Arkansas experienced significant economic progress before the shadow of the Civil War. Discover the story of this complex Arkansas leader — his rise, accomplishments, and tragic death in 1892.

Royle Bradford Luker

This episode of the 1836 Podcast tells the powerful true story of seventeen-year-old Royle Bradford Luker from Plainview, Arkansas. A young sailor aboard the USS West Virginia, Royle was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. For 84 years, his remains lay unidentified in an unmarked grave in Hawaii. Thanks to the tireless work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), he was finally identified in 2024. On May 30, 2026, this brave young hero is coming home to Arkansas for a full military burial with honors at New Bethel Cemetery near Plainview. Join us as we honor Royle’s life, service, sacrifice, and the long journey home that took more than eight decades. A moving reminder of duty, family, and America’s promise to never forget her fallen. #Arkansas #History #Podcast #ArkansasHistoryPodcast #RoyleBradfordLuker #PearlHarbor #WW2 #WWII

Denver “Bull” Randleman | Band of Brothers

This episode of the 1836 Podcast tells the story of Denver “Bull” Randleman. Born in 1920 in Rector, Arkansas, Bull grew up during the Great Depression, dropped out of school to support his family, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined Easy Company, 101st Airborne, earning the nickname “Bull” for his massive build and deep voice. A natural leader praised by Major Richard Winters, he jumped into Normandy on D-Day, survived a brutal bayonet fight in Holland, and fought through the Battle of the Bulge. Highly decorated with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, he helped liberate Europe. After the war, he built a successful life in Arkansas and Louisiana while raising a family. His story reached millions through Band of Brothers, where he was portrayed by Michael Cudlitz. A quiet Arkansas hero who answered the call. Band of Brothers | Easy Company | WWII | D-Day | 101st Airborne | Arkansas History Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of Arkansas heroes! #arkansas #history #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