An avid collector of Arkansas-related historical materials, Margaret Smith Ross assembled a collection that includes her personal papers, historical and genealogical research materials, and the original records of the Pulaski County Circuit Court dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Her personal papers include correspondence, published Chronicles of Arkansas and Grass Roots articles, and drafts of writings. Historical materials include materials related to Arkansas during its territorial and early statehood period, Civil War and Reconstruction, and Arkansas history after Reconstruction. Original court documents pertain to notable Arkansans including Robert Crittenden, James S. Conway, Augustus A. Garland, Albert Pike, Henry Rector, Chester Ashley, William Woodruff, Powell Clayton, Elisha Baxter, Joseph Brooks, and Mifflin Gibbs. Other court documents pertain to subjects such as debt, murder, prostitution, real estate, etc. Court documents pertaining to African Americans include materials on slaves, freed Negroes, and freedmen. Also included among the court documents are post-Civil War amnesty oaths, Reconstruction era militia claims, and materials related to the Brooks-Baxter War. The history of the Arkansas Gazette is highlighted through nineteenth century court documents and papers produced during Rosss career. Also included is significant correspondence of Walter Lemke as well as photographs made by him.
