Historical marker erected for Hattie Caraway on A-State campus

The first woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate has a historical marker to honor her accomplishment.

The Arkansas250 Commission has placed a marker commemorating former U.S. Sen. Hattie Caraway at the V.C. Kays House on the Arkansas State University campus.

“I’m excited that the Arkansas250 Commission has chosen to honor Sen. Caraway with a historical marker on campus,” said Dr. Adam Long, executive director of the A-State Heritage Sites.

This is the fifth of 11 markers being placed across the state, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States following the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Sen. Caraway made an impact on the country, on the state, on Jonesboro, and on the university,” Long said.

After being appointed to complete her husband Thaddeus Caraway’s term as senator, Hattie Caraway was elected to two terms in the general elections of 1932 and 1938.

During the Great Depression, A-State remained open largely thanks to the work of two people who were the first to hold their roles — Caraway, the first female senator, and Kays, the first president of A-State.

“While serving as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Caraway worked with V.C. Kays to bring programs to Arkansas State University, then known as Arkansas State College, and to help construct the historic center of campus,” Long said.

During this time, nine buildings were constructed, and ROTC was established on campus, which helped boost enrollment numbers. In recognition of the hard work done to support A-State, Caraway was the first recipient of an honorary doctoral degree from A-State in 1934. At the time, Kays said the honor was in appreciation of the work done for both the university and the state.

Caraway died in 1950 and is buried in Jonesboro’s Oaklawn Cemetery.

“By being in the center of campus, this marker will remind students and faculty alike of Sen. Caraway’s historic contribution to the state and the nation,” Long said.

The other 10 markers will be placed honoring the Arkansas Post, Old State House, Buffalo River, Louisiana Purchase, Crater of Diamonds, Bauxite, Daisy Bates House, Quapaw Treaty of 1924, Walmart, and Petit Jean State Park.