How is the Arkansas river pronounced in Kansas?

In the State of Kansas the river is pronounced ar-KAN-sas just like the state. In the State of Arkansas the river is pronounced AR-kan-saw just like the state.

Is it illegal to say Arkansas in Kansas?

Arkansas is derived from the French version of the name of a Native American tribe. When French words end in S, that letter is often silent (Paris is pronounced Pa-ree, Champs Elysees is shomp ay-lee-say, etc). Thus you don’t say the S. It is not illegal simply incorrect to call Arkansas Ar-Kansas.

Why is it illegal to say Arkansas wrong?

In the actual state of Arkansas, it is pronounced AR-kan-saw. The final s is silent because the name is a French spelling of a native word for the Quapaw people. (The Quapaw called themselves Ugahxpa, by the way.) This law regulates how to say the name Arkansas.

What is the only river in Kansas that is pronounced differently depending on where you are?

Arkansas River
Country	United States
State	Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas
Region	Great Plains
Cities	Pueblo, CO, Wichita, KS, Tulsa, OK, Muskogee, OK, Fort Smith, AR, Little Rock, AR, Pine Bluff, AR

How do the locals pronounce Arkansas?

The Arkansas legislature made a big deal in 1881 about fixing for good the true pronunciation of the state name, emphasizing that all three “a”s should be pronounced “with the Italian sound.” Yet the unanimous pronunciation of Arkansas by native Arkansans and interlopers alike is “AR-kin-saw.” So much for adhering to …

Can you swim in the Arkansas River?

Sure, because the river is a form of conveyance. A look at the Little Rock city code turns up this: “It shall be unlawful for any person to swim in the Arkansas River within the boundaries of city parks.” A search for water-skiing turned up zilch.

Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Arkansas?

Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at an Arkansas rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would also include overnight sleeping.