William H. Fuller

In 1897, on the NW 1/4 Sect. 8 1N 7W, William H. Fuller planted the first rice on the Grand Prairie, but the venture failed. After learning about rice production in Louisiana, he returned for more information, and in 1903 he returned to Lonoke County. Citizens of Carlisle and Hazen agreed to pay Fuller $1000.00 for a successful rice crop, and in 1904 he harvested 5,225 bushels from 70 acres, marking the birth of the rice industry. Fuller died in 1909 and is buried beside his wife in the Carlisle Cemetery.

Carlisle, Arkansas · United States