Historical Marker

Lakeport in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
601 AR-142, Lake Village, Arkansas
( Marker can be reached from State Highway 142, 0.9 miles east of Robert Mazzanti Road (Parish Road 505).)
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.

During the Civil War, Arkansas was a Confederate state, and the battles of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove were fought in the state. In addition, the city of Little Rock was occupied by Union troops for much of the war.
Arkansas random facts
Chicot County, located in the southeastern part of Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the region was home to indigenous tribes such as the Quapaw, who relied on the fertile soil and abundant wildlife for sustenance. The Quapaw were eventually forced to cede their lands to the United States through a series of treaties in the early 19th century.

European settlement in the area began around the same time, with French and Spanish explorers establishing trading posts and colonial outposts along the Mississippi River. Chicot County itself was officially formed in 1823, and its name was derived from the French word "chicot," meaning "staked plain" or "pimple," a reference to the cottonwood trees that once dotted the county's landscape.

The economy of Chicot County has been largely agricultural throughout its history, with cotton being the dominant crop during the antebellum period. The county's fertile soil and proximity to the Mississippi River made it an ideal location for plantations, leading to the widespread use of enslaved labor. The Civil War had a significant impact on the county, as many plantations were destroyed and the economy was devastated.

In the years following the war, Chicot County experienced a slow recovery, but by the late 19th century, it began to see some growth and development. The lumber industry played a major role in the county's economy, with vast quantities of timber being harvested from the surrounding forests. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century further facilitated economic growth, connecting Chicot County to larger markets and allowing for the transportation of goods. Today, while agriculture remains an important industry, the county has also diversified its economy to include manufacturing and tourism, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical landmarks.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chicot County, Arkansas.

  • 1823: Chicot County was established on October 25, 1823.
  • 1836: The town of Columbia became the county seat.
  • 1850: Lake Village was established as a railroad town.
  • 1864-1865: Chicot County was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War.
  • 1874: Lake Village became the new county seat.
  • 1891: The Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans Railroad was completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1912: The Chicot County Courthouse was built in Lake Village.
  • 1927: Floodwaters from the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 devastated the county.
  • 1944: Charles H. Morris became the first African American elected to office in the county.
  • 1972: The Lakeport Plantation, a historic plantation home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1995: The Mississippi River floodwaters caused significant damage to the county.
  • 2019: Chicot County celebrated its bicentennial anniversary.