WHEREAS:  Van Buren was founded on the edge of Indian Territory and was a launching point for prospectors on their way to the 1849 California gold rush. It took its name from then-Secretary of State and future President Martin Van Buren;

WHEREAS:  Van Buren housed the state’s first-ever federal district court and served as a battleground during the Civil War;

WHEREAS:  Van Buren was a frequent stopping point for steamboats coming up the Arkansas River. These passageways are now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System;

WHEREAS:  The King Opera House remains one of the city’s largest historic attractions. Though damaged in a fire, the building has stood for over 100 years as a center of Van Buren’s cultural life; 

WHEREAS:  Today, Van Buren is known for its historic district downtown and has served as a film set for directors looking to recreate street scenes from the Old West;

WHEREAS:  Governor Sanders’ “Capital for a Day” program highlights great cities around Arkansas like Van Buren and brings senior state government officials into town to meet with their local counterparts; and

WHEREAS:  Van Buren will serve as the twelfth “Capital for a Day” under Governor Sanders and will momentarily serve as Arkansas’ seat of government.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby name Van Buren, Arkansas, our Capital for a Day on August 27th, 2024, and invite our senior state government officials to join me in a visit to the city. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 23rd day of August, in the year of our Lord 2024.