Arkansas Civil War Sites
If you know of additional Arkansas sites that can be added or
further information or corrections about these sites please let us know.
Bogg's Mill
Brownsville
Buffalo National River
Camp Bragg
Camp Crystal Hill
Camp Jackson
Camp Lee
Camp McIntosh
Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
Camp Stephens
Camp Walker
Camp White Sulphur
Cane Hill
Center Point
Chalk Bluff
Confederate Saltpeter Mine
Confederate State Capitol
Cross Hollows
Devils Backbone
Ditch Bayou
Eagle Hotel
Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge)
Elkins' Ferry
Elm Springs
Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery
Fort Hindman/Arkansas Post
Fort Smith Historic Site
Fort Southerland and Fort Lookout
Helena
Hurricane Creek
Jacksonport
Jenkins' Ferry
Jonesboro
Marks' Mills
Maysville
McKissick's Spring
Mount Holly Cemetery
Old State House
Pittman's Ferry
Prairie D'Ane Battlefield
Poison Spring Battlefield
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Reed's Bridge
Scatterville Cemetery
St. Charles
United States Arsenal
Bogg's Mill
This site is on private property in Yell County near the town of Mt. George
and has not been preserved. The site was formerly a small community and
the location of a cavalry skirmish during the war. The 1st Mounted Arkansas
Rifles and other units were formed here.
Located in the Ozarks region of northern Arkansas. The land is now part
of the 95,000 acre national park. Many skirmishes took place in this region
during the war and some skirmish sites and war era farms are interpreted
along the river. The Buffalo River cuts through the Ozark Mountains for
approximately 150 miles and was the nation's first federally protected
river. It is known for its spectacular scenery, high bluffs, and great
canoeing. The river has recently been added to the Civil War Trust's Civil
War Discovery Trail.
Brownsville
Located near the town of Lonoke in Lonoke County. This site is now private
property. A historical marker placed by the local historical society is
present on the highway near the battlefield. On August 25, 1863, a combined
total of approximately 7,000 Federal and Confederate cavalry clashed just
east of the town of Brownsville. After a brief artillery duel Colonel Geigers
U.S. troopers forced the retreat of General Marmaduke's Confederate forces.
General Marmaduke formed new battle lines about 6 miles to the west of
the town and repulsed the Union advance. The Confederates withdrew a short
time later.
Camp Bragg
Located along the Arkansas River between Fort Smith and Clarksville. Used
as winter quarters.
Camp Crystal Hill
Located just northwest of North Little Rock near the suburb of Crystal
Hill.
Camp Jackson
Located 4 miles from Maysville, Arkansas.
Camp Lee
Located just across the border in Missouri. 12 miles southwest of Neosho
and 6 miles from the Cherokee line.
Camp McIntosh
Near Ozark, Arkansas.
Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
Located near the town of Old Austin in Lonoke County. Camp Nelson was a
staging point for Arkansas and Texas troops early in the war. The Camp
was named for General Allison Nelson. In the fall of 1862 an epedimic of
typhoid fever and measles swept through the camp killing well over a thousand
men, including the General. Approximately 500 of these men are buried at
the Confederate Cemetery a few miles south of the old town. Early in the
century, veterans marked off the cemetery and the State placed unknown's
grave markers and a monument there. The cemetery was neglected and overgrown
for many years until the 1980's when local schoolchildren cleared the site.
A historical marker is present at the Methodist Church in Old Austin which
served as the hospital.
Camp Stephens
Located in Benton county. This Confederate camp was named for Vice President
Alexander Stephens. It covered land on the Little Sugar and Brush Creeks,
extending eastward 3 miles from their confluence. Brigadier General Bart
Pearce established the camp in July 1861 when he moved troops from Camp
Walker to train the 3rd Louisiana. After training they moved to Cassville,
Missouri on 31 Jul and then on to the fight at Wilson's Creek on 10 Aug.
Soon after the battle of Elkhorn Tavern, Union General Curtis moved to
this camp to get away from "the stench of the battlefield". Marked by a
historical marker.
Camp Walker
Located 3 miles east of Maysville in Benton County on Highway 72. It is
marked by a historical marker. The camp was established in June of 1861
by Brigadier General Bart Pearce to train recruits from the Indian Territory
and western Arkansas. The training ground covered about 2 square miles.
The historical marker is located near the officer's quarters on the ridge
next to an old rocked up well used by them. Many Arkansas units, Greer's
Texas regiment, and Hebert's 3rd Louisiana all trained here and went from
this camp to Camp Stephens before participating in the battle at Wilson's
Creek.
Camp White Sulphur
Located on the outskirts of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Confederate State Capitol
The State government was moved to this site in Washington, Arkansas by
Governor Flanagin after Federal forces had captured Little Rock. The building
is now part of Old Washington State Park in Hempstead County and has recently
been added to the Civil War Discovery Trail. The site contains the Capitol
building and several antebellum homes that are open for tours.
Cane Hill
The battle of Cane Hill was really a series of running battles between
Confederate forces under General Thomas Hindman and Union forces under
General James Blunt. Hindman planned to flank the Federal forces after
a diversion by cavalry under Marmaduke. Blunt, realizing his exposed position
called for reinforcements from Springfield. Hindman determined to meet
the reinforcements first and deal
Chalk Bluff
Historic plaques and a walking trail illustrate the history of this site
in Northeast Arkansas near the town of St. Francis on the St. Francis River.
Gen. John S. Marmaduke was forced to fight at this location in May of 1863
in order to ensure a succesful retreat from a raid into Missouri. Several
other skirmishes took place at this site during the war.
Center Point
This small Howard county town was held by Confederates throughout the war.
It was raided by a carpetbagger militia in 1868 because of its continued
Confederate sympathies.
Confederate Saltpeter Mine
Remains of an 1862 saltpeter mine in rural Independence County near the
town of Cushman. Saltpeter is used in the creation of gunpowder.
Cross Hollows
One mile east and 1 mile north of Powell on the Old Wire Road. This was
General Mculloch's winter quarters for the 10 or 12,000 men in his army.
Union General Curtis entered it on 22 Feb 1862 and found it abandoned and
burning. Union forces encamped here for approx. 2 weeks until the battle
of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge).
Devil's Backbone
This battlefield in Sebastion County near Jenny Lind is the location of
a battle between Confederate Infantry and a larger, mixed Federal force.
The three hour battle began with an ambush by Confederate forces in an
effort to allow their supply train time to reach safety. The Confederates
had the better of the fight until Union forces could organize and bring
up their artillery and cavalry. The Confederates tactical objectives had
been accomplished, but the losses in men and morale could not be replaced.
Ditch Bayou
Federal troops attacked 600 Confederates under Colonel Colton Greene on
June 6, 1864 on this Chicot County battlefield. Outnumbered five to one
the Confederates inflicted horrendous casualties on the Federal force and
withdrew in good order after ammo ran low. Frustrated by their loss and
inability to pursue, Federal troops burned and looted the nearby town of
Lake Village. The ditch where the bulk of the fighting took place still
exists though most of the rest of the site has changed. Historic marker
and display located at nearby Lake Chicot State Park.
Elkhorn Tavern was one of the largest battles to take place west of the
Mississippi, and the most important in Arkansas. General Earl Van Dorn
forced marched his 16,000 men out of winter camp through treacherous terrain
and blizzard conditions into the rear of the encamped Union army, leaving
most of their supply train out of range. Before a decisive blow could be
struck Union forces changed their facing to meet the attack. Van Dorn unwisely
split his army in the face of the enemy and the right wing of his army
fell apart when the three ranking officers were killed. This spelled doom
for the Army of the West. After fierce fighting Confederate ammunition
ran low and the army was forced to leave the enemy in control of the field.
This battle ended any hope of retaining Missouri for the Confederacy. Van
Dorn abandoned the State soon after. The battlefield is well preserved
and can be viewed via a driving tour. The visitors center and museum overlooks
the battlefield. Located in Benton County.
Eagle Hotel
Located one block west of the square in Bentonville (Benton County). Union
General Franz Sigel had remained here with 600 men and a battery of 6 pieces
after the main column of his army had passed through on its way to camp
on Sugar Creek. Confederate troops under Van Dorn surprised him while he
was eating his breakfast in the hotel and forced a hasty retreat. In 1887
Sigel returned to retrace his route and remarked that he had returned to
finish his breakfast. The hotel was later gutted by fire but was later
restored by Mr. Sam Walton.
Elkins' Ferry battlefield
This battlefield is private property and remains heavily forested. The
battle was fought during a heavy hailstorm. Confederate forces were forced
to move elsewhere after Federal artillery knocked over a large number of
beehives.
Elm Springs
The encampment of Van Dorn's Army before the battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea
Ridge). Located 4 miles north of Tontitown in Benton county on Highway
112. Marked by historical marker.
Fayetteville Confederate Cemetery
The Southern Memorial Association of Washington County established this
cemetery in 1872. Confederate dead were removed from area battlefields
at the associations expense and moved to this location on East Mountain
in Fayetteville.
Location of the first settlement in Arkansas. Confederate forces constructed
a fort at this location to guard the lower reaches of the Arkansas River.
It was garrisoned by 3,000 Confederates, primarily Texas and Arkansas troops
under the command of Brig. Gen. Thomas Churchill. Approximately 33,000
Union Infantry and Cavalry along with about 40 pieces of artillery, 3 ironclads,
and an assortment of other gunboats, attacked the fort and town. The defenders
repulsed the first assault but surrendered as a final fatal attack was
forming. The fort itself now lies under a lake where the river formerly
ran, though entrenchments remain. The museum on the site details the battle
as well as the history of the post during French and Spanish control and
its importance during the territorial era. It is located in Arkansas County
south of DeWitt.
Seized by Confederate troops in 1861 and not recaptured until 1863. Fort
Smith was an important objective for both sides and was an important opening
into the Indian territory. The historic site is open to visitors. The National
Cemetery contains both Union and Confederate graves, including three Confederate
Generals. Recently added to the Civil War Discovery Trail.
Fort Southerland and Fort Lookout
Located in Camden, these forts are part of a series of fortifications started
by Confederate troops for the protection of Camden. Federal troops improved
the forts during their occupation. Fort Southerland is open to the public
while Fort Lookout remains on private land.
A major engagement that occurred on the same day as the retreat from Gettysburg
and the fall of Vicksburg. Confederate forces launched a three pronged
assault on entrenched Federals occupying the town an supported by gunboats.
One of the attacks reached its objective but did not receive necessary
support. Union General Prentiss remarked that the assaults on the town
exhibited "a courage and desperation rarely equaled." Historical markers
throughout the city describe the battle. Helena cemetery is also worth
a visit as it is the final resting place of General Patrick Cleburne, a
Helena resident. Recently added to the Civil War Trust's Civil War Discovery
Trail
Hurricane Creek
After the fall of Little Rock to Union forces in September of 1863. The
area immediately south of the Arkansas River was a no-mans land. On 23
Oct 1864, a Federal detachment of the 7th Army Corps was returning to Little
Rock after a raid on the Confederate Arsenal at Princeton and were engaged
by Logan's 11th Arkansas Cavalry. 28 men were reported killed along with
11 wounded and 1 captured. Located in Saline county, the site is marked
by a historical marker.
Located on Arkansas 69 north of Newport. This was a strategically important
site that changed hands several times during the war, It is the site of
General Jeff Thompson's surrender of Arkansas forces in 1865. The Jackson
Guards formed there in 1861 and 1865. Exihibits are presented inside the
restored 1869 courthouse, and a White River paddlewheeler, the Mary Woods
II, is open to the public. This site served as headquarters for several
Generals, including General Marmaduke. A Confederate Monument is located
on the courthouse grounds. Recently added to the Civil War Trust's Civil
War Discovery Trail.
Federal forces were retreating back towards Little Rock from Camden in
rainy, muddy, and foggy conditions on April 30, 1864 when they were attacked
by Confederate forces under General Kirby Smith. Confusion and conditions
on the field favored the defender and the Confederates retreated to the
bluffs they had charged from. The Federal retreat towards Little Rock continued.
Located in Grant County on Highway 64. The battle is detailed at a State
Park.
Jonesboro
This small 1863 battle took place at the Craighead County Courthouse in
Jonesboro. It seems that Company D of the 1st Wisconsin Infantry captured
several Confederate soldiers just south of the town. These soldiers were
taken to the Courthouse and the Federals ensconced themselves in the courthouse
and neighboring buildings. An Arkansas unit under the command of Captain
Adair learned of the capture and resolved to retake the town and rescue
the prisoners. Witnesses states that the Confederates attacked from woods
on the west side of the courthouse and after a spirited fight drove the
Federals from the buildings and forced them to abandon the town. 2 Confederates
were killed in the fight and approximately 7 Federals were killed. Camp
1655 members continue to research this battle.
Located at the intersection of Highways 8 and 97 in Cleveland County. This
is the location of an ambush by Confederate Cavalry against a Federal supply
train of over 200 wagons, commanded by future reconstruction Governor Powell
Clayton, headed towards Pine Bluff to pick up supplies. The attack began
as a straight up fight until General Shelby's cavalry arrived on the Federal
flank which finally ended in a Federal surrender. The future Governor Powell
managed to flee with a small cavalry escort. The outcome of this battle
forced Federal General Steele to abandon southern Arkansas and start an
arduous and dangerous retreat back to Little Rock. The battle is detailed
at a State Park.
Maysville
Located in Benton county west of Gravette. Union General James Blunt was
encamped on the old Pea Ridge battlefield. General Douglas H. Cooper and
Colonel Stand Watie's Indian Regiment were at old Fort Wayne just across
the Indian Territory line from Maysville. On 20 Oct 1862, Blunt advanced
his 2nd and 3rd brigades to Bentonville, and on 21 Oct to Maysville. Crossing
the prairie they found the Confederates lined up on the edge of some timber
a quarter mile from the town. Blunt attacked and against his superior force
retreated in disorder for some 7 miles followed by the 6th Kansas and 3rd
Cherokee (Union).
Camp McKissick's Spring
1 block south and 1 block west of Centerton City Hall in Benton county.
1st and 2nd Divisions of the Federal Army were encamped here just prior
to the battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge).
Old State House
The most famous building in Arkansas was the seat of Arkansas' government
until the fall of Little Rock when it was moved to Washington. It was the
site of the secession convention that took the State out of the Union.
The site was made famous during the Presidential campaign of 1992 when
it served as a backdrop for President Clinton's campaign. It contains a
museum dedicated to Arkansas history. The Arkansas Territorial Restoration
is nearby and is an excellent look at Arkansas' frontier and territorial
days.
Pittman's Ferry
Located in Randolph county along the Current River, it has been the site
of a ferry since 1803. During the war it was on the major route from St.
Louis to Texas and Mexico. The gateway into Arkansas along the Southwest
Trail. It was used by both Northern and Southern forces as well as lawless
bushwackers during the war. Union and Confederate troops engaged here on
20 Jul, 27 Oct, and 25 Nov 1862. In 1861 it was the headquarters of the
Confederate Military District of Northern Arkansas commanded by General
William J. Hardee. It is located near Rees Grocery on Hwy. 166.
On highway 76 near Chidester in Ouachita County. In April 1864 Confederate
troops attacked and decimated a Union Supply train taking supplies to Camden.
Heavy losses were sustained by the First Kansas Colored Regiment (Federal)
during the battle and due to this the battle is a controversial one. There
has been some debate regarding the content of interpretive plaques at the
site.
Prairie D'Ane Battlefield
Located at Prescott in Nevada County, most of it is still pasture land
and is all private property. Visitors cand learn about the battle at a
museum in Prescott.
This battle was fought on December 7, 1862. The battle began with a two-hour
artillery barrage by Federal troops against the Confederates on the high
ground. The Federal commander thought the Confederates were finished and
ordered a small force forward. The attacking Federals were overwhelmed
as they climbed the hill. The Southern troops saw their chance and pressed
the attack. As the attack got under way Federal reinforcements under General
Blunt arrived on the scene, having "marched to the sound of the guns".
Confederate forces were forced to withdraw in order. Combined dead was
approximately 2500 in this brutal fight. The main part of the battlefield
is now a State park, efforts are underway to acquire more land at this
time. Located in Washington County. Other link: City
of Prairie Grove
Mount Holly Cemetery
Situated in Little Rock's Historic Quapaw Quarter this beautiful old cemetery
is the burial place of executed boy-hero David O. Dodd and 5 Confederate
Generals. Other notables interred here are several Arkansas governors,
the painter of "The Arkansaw Traveller", and the writer of the song of
the same name. A yearly ceremony is held here to honor young Dodd.
Reed's Bridge
On August 27, 1863 the Federal Army was advancing along the military road
toward Little Rock when its cavalry division of 6,000 under General John
Davidson attempted a crossing at Reed's Bridge just outside of Jacksonville,
AR. Here it was met by a Confederate force of 4,000 under General John
S. Marmaduke. After burning the bridge the Confederates defended the crossing
under heavy fire throughout the day. Several Federal attempts at crossing
failed and the Federals withdrew at sunset. Two days later they crossed
the bayou 5 miles to the south and continued the advance on Little Rock,
which would fall on September 10th. The site has not been protected and
is on private property. It is identified by a historical marker put up
there in 1970 by the local Jaycees. It is on highway 161 just outside of
town.
Scatterville Cemetery
Scatterville was an early settlement, located in present day Clay county
near Rector, on the old military road which connected Chalk Bluff with
Gainesville. Civil War skirmishes were fought here on 3 Aug 1862 and 28
Mar 1863.
St. Charles
Site of "the deadliest shot of the Civil War". It has changed considerably
in the intervening years and has not been preserved. The position of the
Confederate batteries is now covered by a grain silo. A historical marker
located near the White River and a monument in the town to honor the Union
sailors and Confederate soldiers who died here. More than 100 Union sailors
were scalded to death inside the ironclad U.S.S Mound City when an artillery
round penetrated its steam drum. Only 26 crewmen escaped. Other Federal
forces seized the fort by land but it was a very costly victory.
1840 building located in MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock. Was surrendered
to Governor Rector in February 1861 by its Union garrison. General Patrick
Cleburne commanded some of the Arkansas troops that forced the surrender.
It was used as an arsenal and hospital by Confederate forces until the
fall of Little Rock. This building is also the birthplace of General Douglas
MacArthur. It is reported to be the most "haunted"
building in Arkansas with numerous citings of apparitions. For the moment
it houses the Arkansas Museum of Science and History, but they will be
moving to a new location soon. Some thought has been given to establishing
a Civil War Museum in the building but no plans have been finalized.
Copyright 1998, Arkansas Division of the Sons
of Confederate Veterans, all rights reserved
