Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Star of Arkansas
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
1. Star pf Arkansas Marker
15.36 carats (rough)
8.27 carats (cut)
After two days of rain, Winifred Parker, of Dallas, Texas, found this large, white diamond near here on March 5, 1956.
Parker, who collected and cut semi-precious stones as a hobby, was visiting Millar's Crater of Diamonds public mining attraction (now an Arkansas State Park) when she found the stone.
Parker recognized the diamond by its luster but was stunned at its size. An examination by Howard Millar, owner of the Crater of Diamonds, revealed that the inch-long gem had broken from a larger diamond that may have weighed more than 200 carats.
The Star of Arkansas was cut into a marquise-shape gem, which is graded as E-colorless, with very, very slight inclusions. Sold at auction in 1994, the diamond was purchased for more than $145,000.
Erected by Crater of Diamonds Arkansas State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is March 5, 1956.
Location. 34° 2.014′ N, 93° 40.312′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, in Pike County. It is on State Park Road. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains and in Caddo Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: End of a Mystery: What is Below the Surface? (within shouting distance of this marker); Mine Shaft / Guard House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Multifaceted History (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncle Sam (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Wesley Huddleston (about 400 feet away); James "Diamond Jim" Archer (about 400 feet away); Amarillo Starlight (about 400 feet away); Dazzling Diamonds From the Crater
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
2. Star of Arkansas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 324 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
