Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will attend the grand opening of a new school of bladesmithing and historic trades school at Historic Old Washington Park on Friday.
The ceremony that formally establishes The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Stephens House, 601 Lawrence St.
"The University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana is honored to have Gov. Hutchinson with us at the historic opening of our James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades," UAHT Chancellor Chris Thomason said. "It is especially meaningful that the governor of Arkansas will be dedicating 'Arkansas No. 1' as a symbolic gesture of the importance of the Bowie knife to the culture and heritage of the State of Arkansas. The governor's support of UAHT's commitment to preserving and celebrating the art of the forged blade has been pivotal in the success of building the educational program there. Most important, the governor has provided the leadership for so many partners across Arkansas to come together in Historic Washington to create a campus that builds a future of opportunities by celebrating our shared past."
The "Arkansas No. 1" Bowie knife was commissioned by the UAHT Foundation to commemorate the significance of the Bowie knife being named the state's official blade and Washington, Ark., being designated as an official Arkansas Heritage Site. The Bowie knife was named the official knife for the state of Arkansas through an act of the 92nd General Assembly. Historic Washington, Ark., was designated the "Birthplace of the Bowie Knife, Arkansas Heritage Site" through another legislative act.
The "Arkansas No. 1" was created by Master Bladesmith Jerry Fisk, who was commissioned to create the blade. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view a special exhibit of "Bowie No. 1," on loan from the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. The knife, crafted by James Black, is considered to be an important early 1830s Bowie knife, and some think it to be the actual knife he made for Jim Bowie.
Following the dedication, a ceremonial "First Firing of the Forge" will be held at the bladesmith shop to welcome the first class of students. They will be pursuing a certificate of proficiency in bladesmithing, a new and unique program for the college and state.
Several other special events will be held, including a community education class on "The History and Art of the Bowie Knife" at 11 a.m. at the 1860 Brunson House. Those who wish to participate can register can get more information by calling 870-722-8102. The class will be led by Fisk; Lin Rhea, the resident historic blacksmith at the Historic Arkansas Museum; and Billy Nations, supervisor of Interpretive Programs at the park. The cost is $20 and will include lunch.
The class will be followed by a Bowie knife "Cutting Competition" at 1 p.m. which will feature renowned knife makers and competitors using their personally crafted knives in a display of art and skill.
(Information provided by UAHT officials. To learn more about the school and ceremony, call 870-722-8516.)