Sandford C. Faulkner (March 3, 1803 – August 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 (Fletcher) 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. He was then assigned as officer in charge of the Little Rock Supply Depot at Marshall, Texas, and served there to the end of the war.

Honors

Faulkner County, Arkansas (established 1873) is named after him.