Timeline
1826 Progress
Arkansas Territory, still primarily wilderness, gradually acquired some of the trappings of progress. Steamboats plied the rivers impeded only by snags and high or low water; Little Rock now had a brickyard, several brick structures and a church building. In 1826, the first steam- powered sawmill was set up in Helena, joining the Territory's several horse-powered and water- powered grist mills and sawmills. The first stagecoach line in the Territory opened between Little Rock and Arkansas Post. On November 7, Woodruff announced the establishment of an experimental lending library.
By mid-year, speculation suggested Henry Conway would have vigorous competition for the 1827 congressional election. Political lines would be drawn between two factions: those allied to Crittenden and Robert Oden, versus Conway, Izard and their supporters.
Crittenden became worried about his handling of public funds and wished to go to Washington to explain his actions to the federal auditors in person. He wrote to Secretary of State Henry Clay requesting permission to visit the capital at the same time Izard planned a visit to Philadelphia. Clay suggested Crittenden stay at his post, but also assured him his position as Secretary of the Territory was not threatened.
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