Arkansas v. Tennessee
Headline: Court affirms Special Master’s report, fixes Arkansas–Tennessee boundary along the Mississippi River channel as of October 28, 1935, and gives Tennessee authority over disputed islands and the Bluegrass Towhead.
Holding:
- Makes Tennessee the official authority over the disputed islands and Bluegrass Towhead.
- Requires on-the-ground survey and permanent monuments to mark the boundary.
- Affects local land control, taxes, and law enforcement along the river.
Summary
Background
The State of Arkansas filed a complaint claiming ownership of certain lands and islands against the State of Tennessee. A Special Master investigated and filed a report. Arkansas objected to that report, while Tennessee answered and filed its own claims. The Court considered the bill, the answers, the Special Master’s report, the exceptions, and arguments by both states.
Reasoning
The Court’s central question was which state has authority over the lands and islands described in the complaint. The Court overruled Arkansas’s exceptions and approved the Special Master’s report in full. It held that Tennessee is entitled to exercise authority over the lands identified in Count I. The Court fixed the boundary at the thalweg — the river’s main channel — as the Mississippi River flowed on October 28, 1935. The Court also declared the Bluegrass Towhead to be part of Tennessee and set out a detailed line for the lands in Count II.
Real world impact
Practically, Tennessee gains control over the specifically described islands and river land, and the states must mark the line on the ground. The Court appointed two commissioners to place permanent survey monuments and reference markers, to file a report of their work, and to seek Court help if they cannot agree. Other matters are held open until the commissioners report, so the physical marking and administrative follow-up remain to be completed.
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