HCR1007

State of Arkansas

76th General Assembly

Regular Session, 1987     HCR1007

Representative Fairchild

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

DESIGNATING THE SONG "THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER" AS THE OFFICIAL STATE HISTORICAL SONG.

WHEREAS, around 1850 or earlier, Colonel Sanford C. Faulkner composed a humorous dialogue and fiddle tune which became known as "The Arkansas Traveler"; and

WHEREAS, in 1859, Edward P. Washburn was inspired by "The Arkansas Traveler" dialogue and tune to paint the picture which has become known as "The Arkansas Traveler"; and

WHEREAS, the song "Arkansas" was designated the Official State Song in 1917, and was continued as the State Song until 1949, at which time a copyright dispute led to the creation of a State Song Commission, which recomposed the dialogue of "The Arkansas Traveler" tune into a song that was adopted by resolution of the General Assembly from 1945 to 1963 as the Official State Song, but was replaced by the song "Arkansas" in 1963 when the copyright issue was resolved; and

WHEREAS, due to the historical significance of the song "The Arkansas Traveler" and its treasured place in the folklore of this State, it is appropriate that "The Arkansas Traveler" be designated as the Official Historical Song of this State;

NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SEVENTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, THE SENATE CONCURRING
THEREIN:

THAT the song "The Arkansas Traveler", as composed and approved by the State Song Commission in 1949 as the Official State Song of Arkansas, is hereby adopted and designated as the Official Historical Song of Arkansas, but such designation shall not modify or affect the use of any song designated as the Official Anthem of this State or as a State Song of Arkansas, if said
designation has been appropriately adopted by Concurrent Resolution or Act of the General Assembly.