Historical Marker

Pope County in the Civil War / Pope County Militia War

Historical marker location:
399mLake Front Drive, Russellville, Arkansas
( Marker can be reached from Lake Front Drive, 0.2 miles west of River Lane.)
Marker installed: 2015

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 by Sam Walton, who went on to build one of the largest retail chains in the world. Today, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Arkansas random facts
Pope County, Arkansas has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Osage, and Cherokee, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The county was officially established on November 2, 1829, and named after John Pope, the third territorial governor of Arkansas.

During the Civil War, Pope County was deeply divided, with residents siding with both the Union and the Confederacy. The Battle of Dardanelle, fought in 1864, was a significant event in the county's history. Union forces ultimately defeated the Confederates and gained control of the Arkansas River, securing Pope County for the Union. After the war, the county began to rebuild and experienced growth in its agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

In the early 20th century, Pope County saw advancements in transportation and infrastructure, including the construction of highways and railroads that connected the area to larger cities. This facilitated trade and boosted economic development. The county also became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, including the Ozark National Forest and Lake Dardanelle.

In recent years, Pope County has continued to grow and diversify its economy. The county's population has increased, and it has become a hub for retail, healthcare, and education. Despite its growth, Pope County has maintained its rural charm and commitment to preserving its natural beauty, making it an appealing place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pope County, Arkansas.

  • Pope County was established on November 2, 1829.
  • In 1830, the county seat was established in Dover.
  • In 1865, during the Civil War, the Battle of Dardanelle took place in Pope County.
  • In 1873, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad was completed and passed through Pope County.
  • In 1909, Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University) was established in Russellville.
  • In 1957, Lake Dardanelle was created by the completion of the Dardanelle Lock and Dam.
  • In 1962, the Hector School District was established in Pope County.
  • In 2000, the population of Pope County was approximately 54,469.
  • In 2010, the population of Pope County was approximately 61,754.