Historical Marker

Saline County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Benton, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of N. Main Street and W. Conway Street, on the right when traveling south on N. Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2014

  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.

Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which was the largest land acquisition in U.S. history, and the state was later admitted to the Union as the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
Arkansas random facts
Saline County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Quapaw and Caddo, who settled along the banks of the Saline River. European settlers began to arrive in the 18th century, primarily from France and Spain, establishing trading posts and interacting with the native tribes.

In the early 19th century, Saline County saw significant development and growth with the establishment of towns like Benton, the county seat, and the construction of the Saline Courthouse. The county played a prominent role in the cotton industry, with large plantations producing the cash crop. Slavery was prevalent in the area during this time, and the Civil War brought about significant changes to the county's landscape and society.

During the Civil War, Saline County was a center of conflict due to its strategic location between Little Rock and Hot Springs. The Battle of Jenkins' Ferry, fought in 1864, was a significant engagement in the county that resulted in a Union victory. The post-war years were marked by the challenges of Reconstruction and efforts to rebuild the county's economy.

In the 20th century, Saline County experienced growth and modernization. The construction of major highways, such as Interstate 30, brought increased connectivity and opportunities for commerce. Today, Saline County is a thriving community with a diverse economy, including industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county also offers a range of recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating on the Saline River, exploring historic sites, and enjoying its natural beauty.

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

  • 1835 - Saline County is established on November 2nd, named after the salt springs found in the area.
  • 1836 - The county seat is established in Benton, originally named Mount Prospect.
  • 1861-1865 - Saline County and the state of Arkansas are part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1876 - The first railroad, Cairo & Fulton Railroad, is completed in Saline County.
  • 1890 - The Benton Courier, the county's first newspaper, is established.
  • 1906 - The "Booze Fighter War" occurs in Saline County, where local factions fight over the issue of alcohol prohibition.
  • 1924 - Tornadoes hit Saline County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1943-1945 - Bauxite, a mineral used in aluminum production, is mined in Saline County to support World War II efforts.
  • 1969 - The first public library, the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, is opened in Benton.
  • 1997 - The Saline County Library System is established, expanding library services in the county.
  • 2009 - The Saline County Courthouse, originally built in 1906, undergoes major renovations.