Historical Marker

Elm Springs in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
106 Water Ave, Elm Springs, Arkansas
( Marker is on Water Avenue west of South Elm Street (State Highway 112), on the left when traveling west.)
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 Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors to the park can search for diamonds and other gems in the park's 37.5-acre diamond field.
Arkansas random facts
Washington County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to early Native American civilizations. Before European settlers arrived, this region was home to the Osage and Quapaw tribes who hunted, farmed, and settled along the banks of the White and Arkansas Rivers. In the 1700s, French explorers began to stake claims in the area, leading to a rivalry between the French and Spanish. Eventually, the United States acquired the area as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The establishment of Washington County can be credited to the Fayetteville Settlement, which was founded in 1828 by European-American pioneers. The county was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Settlers quickly began to cultivate the fertile land, transforming the area into an agricultural hub. With the construction of the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, Washington County became a major stop along the trail, further boosting its economy and population.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Washington County. As part of the divided border state of Arkansas, the county witnessed guerrilla warfare, confrontations between Union and Confederate forces, and the devastating Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862. Despite the destruction and loss of life during this time, Washington County gradually recovered and experienced post-war growth due to the rise of railroads and the expansion of educational institutions like the University of Arkansas.

In the 20th century, Washington County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The construction of the Beaver Dam and reservoir in the 1960s brought hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities to the area. The county also saw a shift from an exclusively agricultural economy to a more diverse one, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail becoming prominent. Today, Washington County stands as a vibrant community, known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving arts scene, and the University of Arkansas, which has become a leading educational institution in the state.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Washington County, Arkansas.

  • 1828 - Washington County, Arkansas is established as one of the original counties of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1836 - Fayetteville is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Washington County is greatly affected by the American Civil War with numerous battles and military activity in the area.
  • 1897 - The University of Arkansas is established in Fayetteville.
  • 1950s - Washington County experiences significant growth and development due to an increase in industrialization and population.
  • 1970s - Northwest Arkansas becomes a hub for retail and transportation, leading to further economic growth in Washington County.
  • 2000s - Washington County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Arkansas, with a booming economy and population.