Sandford C. Faulkner (March 3, 1803August 4, 1874), better known as Sandy Faulkner, was an American planter, raconteur and fiddler who personified the mid-19th century folk song "Arkansas Traveler," for which he received writing credit. It has since gone on to become the official state historic song of Arkansas.
Biography Sandford C. Faulkner was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, on March 3, 1803 to Nicholas and Sally () Faulkner. He was responsible in large part for the story forming the basis of the "Arkansas Traveler," which was the official song of Arkansas from 1949 to 1963, and the official state historic song of Arkansas since 1987. During the American Civil War, Faulkner served as an artillery officer detailed to ordnance duty in the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederate States Army.
From November 1862 to August 1863, Faulkner served as the commanding officer of the Little Rock Arsenal. In late September 1863, The Little Rock facility relocated to Tyler, Texas, and was redesignated Tyler Ordnance Works. On October 1 of the same year, the Little Rock ordnance stores were turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. Hill, officer in charge at Tyler.Ordnance Department – Miscellaneous Record Book, Little Rock Arsenal, Arkansas & Tyler Ordnance Works, Texas, 1862 – 1865, Record Group 109, Chapter IV, Vol. 148 Faulkner was then assigned as commanding officer of the ordnance depot at Marshall, Texas, and served there to the end of the war.
Honors Faulkner County, Arkansas (established 1873) is named after him.
Notes
References
Further reading
External links
Faulkner Family Papers at UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture