SCV - Col. Robert G. Shaver Camp 1655
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.
This web page authored by Mark Gerdes.
Last updated March 1, 1997.
Page and all contents Copyright© 1996, 1997 by SCV Camp #1655,
Jonesboro, Arkansas.
