Historical Marker

Ashley County in the Civil War / 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment

Historical marker location:
205 E Jefferson St, Hamburg, Arkansas
( Marker is on East Jefferson Street east of North Oak Street, on the left when traveling east.)
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.

Arkansas was one of the first states in the U.S. to enact a statewide prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol, passing the law in 1915. Prohibition was repealed in the state in 1933, shortly after the end of the nationwide prohibition era.
Arkansas random facts
Ashley County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area that is now Ashley County was originally inhabited by native tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, mainly from the southern United States, bringing with them a plantation-based economy and slavery.

The county itself was established on November 30, 1848, named after Chester Ashley, a prominent U.S. senator from Arkansas. The first county seat was located in a small village called Ashley Court House, which later became the town of Hamburg. Like many areas in the South, Ashley County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton becoming its major cash crop. The county saw rapid growth and development during this time, with new towns and settlements being established.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Ashley County. Like many southern states, Arkansas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. The county experienced battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces sought control over the region. After the war, Ashley County faced the challenges of Reconstruction, which led to social and economic changes, including the end of slavery and the introduction of sharecropping.

In the early 20th century, Ashley County's economy diversified, with the timber industry becoming a major player. Several sawmills were established, bringing jobs and economic stability to the area. The county also saw the emergence of other industries like oil and gas, which further contributed to its growth. Today, Ashley County remains an important agricultural and industrial hub in southeastern Arkansas, with its history and heritage deeply rooted in its past.

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

  • Ashley County established on November 30, 1848
  • Early settlers arrived in the 1820s
  • County named after Chester Ashley, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas
  • Civil War begins in 1861, Ashley County supports the Confederacy
  • Union soldiers occupy the county in 1863
  • Reconstruction period follows the Civil War
  • Timber industry booms in the late 19th century
  • Railroad arrives in 1899, boosting economic development
  • Great Mississippi River Flood occurs in 1927, causing significant damage
  • Depression era hits the county, causing economic hardships
  • World War II brings economic recovery and industrialization
  • Modernization and diversification of industries in the late 20th century
  • County experiences population growth and urbanization