The Civil War in Arkansas

Looking for information on Arkansas in the Civil War? Get information on important Civil War battles that took place in Arkansas, such as the Battle of Pea Ridge, Battle of Prairie Grove, and the Battle of Helena.

After a divided Arkansas seceded from the Union in 1861, it became a strategic target for both North and South because of its location on the Mississippi River and its role as a gateway to the Southwest. Included among the state’s more than 750 military engagements were a number of major conflicts.

The war’s largest battle west of the Mississippi was fought at Pea Ridge in March 1862. Participating were some 26,000 soldiers. The Union victory dashed Confederate hopes of occupying Missouri.

In December, 1862, more than 11,000 Confederates battled Union forces at Prairie Grove in a failed attempt to prevent federal occupation of Fort Smith.

The control of Arkansas River commerce was at stake when 30,000 Union troops overwhelmed 5,000 Confederates at Arkansas Post in January 1863, while control of the Mississippi figured in the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863.

Union forces occupied Little Rock on Sept. 10, 1863, despite numerous skirmishes. The state’s Confederate government moved its capital to the town of Washington.

In the spring of 1864, 13,000 federal troops headed southwest from Little Rock in an attempt to complete the Union conquest of the state. That failed venture is now known as the Red River Campaign.

For additional Civil War-related sites visit the Civil War Preservation Trust’s web site at www.civilwar.org.

THE BATTLE AT MT. ELBA

The expedition to Mount Elba began on March 27, 1864 when the Federal forces under Colonel Powell Clayton left the post at Pine Bluff on its mission to attack the Confederate forces commanded by Brigadier General Thomas P. Dockery camped at Monticello. The battle of Mount Elba was fought on March 30,1864.

October, 1864 Chronology of Union Forces in South Arkansas

Numbers 2. Itinerary of the First Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, Colonel Albert Erskine, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry commanding.*

October 7.- A reconnaissance in force toward Monticello and Mount Elba was ordered. The expedition was under Colonel Ritter, of the Second Brigade, and comprised about 700 men of that brigade and 300 of the First Brigade, under Colonel Erskine. The column marched to within fifteen miles of Monticello, and hearing that there was no enemy there, it was ordered toward Mount Elba, where the rear guard of the enemy was encountered and driven across the Saline River. The expedition returned October 10.

October 13.- Colonel Erskine, with 250 men of the First Brigade, marched toward Arkansas Post, which place was reached on the 15th.

October 18.- The expedition returned to Pine Bluff, having encountered but one small band of the enemy, from which were captured 1 prisoners and 6 horses. The expedition brought into Pine Bluff 400 head of cattle, 30 horses, and 125 sheep.

October 24.- Captain Bechand, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, with thirty men, was ordered on scout toward Mount Elba; went nine miles beyond that place; ascertained that the enemy was picketing the line of the Saline River. Returning he encountered thirty of the enemy twelve miles from Pine Bluff; charged and drove them into the woods, capturing 10 stand of arms and 6 mules.

October 25.- Captain Davis, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, with fifty men, was ordered out to repair telegraph on the Little Rock road; discovered an ambush of fifty of the enemy near Rock Springs; charged and drove them, having 2 men badly wounded. The brigade furnishes daily 205 men and 6 officers for picket, and every other day fifty men for foraging.

A Brief History of Camden, Arkansas During The Civil War

Camden was a historically significant city during the time of the Civil War. As the second largest city in Arkansas, (only Little Rock surpassed Camden in size and population), Camden was a major cotton shipping center. In 1859 the merchants of the City of Camden grossed over one million dollars in sales. Even though the city did not have a rail line, Camden, located on the Ouachita River, had a thriving port that shipped cotton and other crops from the farms in the region on paddle wheelers. A major stage coach line owned by John Chidester was headquartered in Camden making the area easily accessible by land. The stage served Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. When Arkansas seceded from the Union, a company of volunteers was assembled at Camden under the command of Captain Lyons.

Battle Of Marks’ Mills (A History)

Confederate Reports Series 1, Volume XXXIV,
Chapter LXVI, Pages 793-795 HEADQUARTERS
CABELL’S BRIGADE, May 3, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my division in the battle of Marks’ Mills on the 25th of last month, being a portion of Fagan’s division, which, together with Shelby’s command, formed a command to operate east of the Ouachita River: On the 23rd, General Dockery was ordered to report to me, and I to command a division composed of Cabell’s and Dockery’s brigades.

BATTLE OF MARKS MILL

American Civil War
April 25, 1864

A Union force escorted 240 wagons from Camden to Pine Bluff to pick up supplies and transport them back to Major General Fred Steele’s army.

At first the Union escort rebuffed Rebel attempts to halt them. Then the Confederates moved in on the Union rear and front, causing a rout.

The Rebels captured most of the men and all of the supply wagons.

Thus, Steele gave up all thoughts of uniting with Major General Nathaniel Banks on the Red River and realized that he had to save his army.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Location: Cleveland County

Campaign: Camden Expedition (1864)

Date(s): April 25, 1864

Principal Commanders: Lieutenant Colonel Francis Drake [US]; Brigadier General James B. Fagan [CS]

Forces Engaged: Infantry brigade [US]; two divisions [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 1,793 total (US 1,500; CS 293)