In the past, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad was labeled a "stumptail" railroad by Obeerholizter - a railway that went nowhere and came from nothing in a Southern state. James G. Blaine, who used the term in his 1876 campaign, lost the presidential race despite rallying against the scandal that took him out of Congress, proclaiming "All this for a 'stumptail' Railroad!". But, in a surprising turn of events, the railroad proved to be anything but stumptail, expanding the state's resources, creating new towns, and even establishing a wine country settled by immigrants. Its success helped spur a new era for Arkansas and led to the expansion of railroads across the country.
Now, I tell ya what, don't underestimate this little ol' railroad. Might be small, but it left a big ol' mark on Arkansas that you can still feel to this day.