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American Pearling Fever Sparks Cash Pearls On Black River
The pearl rush began in summer 1900 after a fisherman found a gem in a clam near the Black River. A New York jeweler sold the first pearl for $2,000, igniting widespread clam and pearl digging across Arkansas. The boom fueled unprecedented wealth, towns swelling, and dramatic social changes among locals of all backgrounds as pearls sparked fortunes and a racing scramble for riches.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Sun
New York
Arkansas
Black River
Nelse Parks
Nelse