Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially announced that Sheridan will be designated as Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day” on July 24, 2025. The announcement highlights Sheridan’s importance in the state’s rich history and vibrant community. As part of her ongoing initiative, Sanders aims to spotlight cities across Arkansas, bringing state government officials to local communities to foster closer connections between the state’s leaders and its citizens.
Sheridan, a city steeped in history, was incorporated in 1885, two decades after the Civil War had ended. The city was named after Union General Philip Sheridan and quickly became the heart of Grant County’s political and economic activity during the Reconstruction era. Today, Sheridan is not only known for its historic courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the city’s past, but also for the Grant County Museum, where visitors can explore the area’s deep historical roots.
The city of Sheridan has evolved over the years into a dynamic hub for the region, now celebrated annually through Timberfest, a festival that honors the timber industry’s crucial role in the local economy. The Arkansas State Lumberjack Competition, a centerpiece of the festival, brings together competitors and spectators alike to celebrate the area’s rich history in forestry and timber production.
Governor Sanders’ “Capital for a Day” program is part of a broader effort to engage communities throughout the state by bringing senior state officials into smaller cities like Sheridan. The initiative not only boosts local morale but also provides an opportunity for residents to engage directly with state leadership, fostering dialogue on the needs and potential of Arkansas’ diverse communities.
This marks the fifteenth city to be honored under Governor Sanders’ program, continuing her commitment to recognizing the contributions of cities across Arkansas. As the temporary seat of Arkansas’ government, Sheridan will host a series of events that will allow local residents to meet and interact with senior officials, offering a chance for the community to voice their concerns and ideas directly to those in power.
Governor Sanders expressed her excitement in bringing the “Capital for a Day” initiative to Sheridan. “Sheridan’s rich history and its important role in the development of Grant County make it a perfect choice for this special program,” she said. “By engaging with the citizens of Sheridan, we continue to build a stronger connection between local communities and our state government.”
The official proclamation, signed by Governor Sanders on July 21, 2025, invites senior state officials to join her in Sheridan for this momentous occasion. The “Capital for a Day” designation will temporarily make Sheridan the focal point of Arkansas’ government, celebrating its historical significance and the ongoing contributions of its people to the state’s broader narrative.
The event on July 24 will include a series of meetings and community events, allowing residents to meet with government officials, learn more about the work being done at the state level, and discuss the future of their community. As a community driven by history and industry, Sheridan’s role as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day is a fitting tribute to its past and an exciting opportunity for its future.
For more information on the event and the “Capital for a Day” program, residents are encouraged to visit the state’s official website or follow updates from Governor Sanders’ office. With this announcement, the Governor continues to emphasize the importance of all Arkansas communities, big and small, and their critical role in the state’s ongoing progress.
