rustycoinUT
November 27th, 2005, 08:00 PM
Here is the Skirmish & battle sites in Arkansas. I will also be looking for maps of civil war era Arkansas. I will be posting more info as i find it.
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.
Buffalo National River
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
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 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
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).
Devils 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 McKissicks 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).
Pitmans 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
Poison Springs Battlefield
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.
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
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 Cemetary
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.
rustycoinUT
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.
Buffalo National River
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
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 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
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).
Devils 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 McKissicks 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).
Pitmans 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
Poison Springs Battlefield
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.
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
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 Cemetary
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.
rustycoinUT