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At one of the early meetings of these men, the "Board of Guardians," a visitor was present who recorded his impression of the event in the August 30, 1850 issue of the Arkansas Gazette:

"It is true, I have seen finer dressed gentlemen, greater display of pendantry and ostentation, more ceremony, etc.; but I have not met any where a set of men of more practical and comprehensive morality, more devotion to the cause of literature, or who seemed to entertain a more enlightened conception of their duty to the rising generations."

General Nathaniel G. Smith was chosen president of the schools; Thomas O. Benton and George D. Alexander headed the Institute; Ben Watson and J. S. McAlister headed the Seminary. With the new institutions of learning in Tulip its Golden Age was ushered in, for students came from all over Arkansas. The cadets at the military institute were sturdy young men, wearing the same style of suits as the West Point cadets, differing only in the buttons of their uniforms. It was a busy life they led. Among their studies were ancient languages, surveying, military tactics, mathematics, chemistry, and philosophy. The most exciting time at the Institute was parade day. Tulip citizens were proud of their marching grounds and its one hundred and fifty foot flagpole.

The churches of Tulip played a major part in its development. The strongest of which was that of the Methodist faith. Reverend William Mason helped establish the first Methodist church in Tulip, 1848. The Baptists and Presbyterians had fewer members, but there was co-operation between the churches.

The houses of Tulip were generally very attractive and sat back from the main thoroughfares and were embraced by tall oaks and mimosa trees. These dwellings had large rooms, wide hallways, deep verandas and luxurious furnishings. Every room had a large fireplace. On long winter evenings families sat contented around the family circle before the great fires that blazed in the fireplaces.

The children of Tulip were usually very happy little people. Every few days the great stage coach bearing mail and news from elsewhere came tumbling down the dusty roads to Tulip.

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