Historical Marker

Chalk Bluff in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
St. Francis, Arkansas
( Marker is on County Road 347.)
Marker installed: 1973

Raids of March-April 1863

  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 has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.
Arkansas random facts
Clay County, located in northeastern Arkansas, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1873. Originally settled by Native American tribes, including the Osage and the Quapaw, the area was later explored by European descendants in the early 19th century. The county's name honors John M. Clayton, who served as the U.S. Secretary of State during the mid-19th century.

In the mid-19th century, Clay County saw a significant influx of settlers, primarily from southern states, who were attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. The county's economy became centered around cotton production, with plantations and large farms dominating the landscape. Slavery was also prevalent during this time, and as a result, the Civil War had a significant impact on Clay County, as the region was heavily divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers.

After the Civil War, Clay County struggled to recover economically, but the construction of railroads in the late 19th century provided new opportunities for trade and transportation. The towns of Corning and Piggott emerged as important commercial centers, with industries such as timber, farming, and manufacturing contributing to the county's growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Clay County faced its fair share of challenges, including the Great Depression, which brought widespread poverty and hardship. However, the construction of roads and improved infrastructure in the following decades helped stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life for residents. Today, Clay County remains an important agricultural region, with a strong focus on rice and soybean production, as well as timber and manufacturing industries. The county also boasts natural attractions like the St. Francis River that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.

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

  • 1850 - Clay County officially established as a county in Arkansas.
  • 1851 - Piggott becomes the first settled community within Clay County.
  • 1868 - County seat moved from Clayton to Piggott.
  • 1873 - The first public school in Clay County is established in Piggott.
  • 1887 - Railroad constructed through Clay County, boosting economic development.
  • 1911 - Rector is incorporated as a city within Clay County.
  • 1930s - Clay County significantly impacted by the Great Depression.
  • 1944 - Current courthouse completed in Piggott, replacing the previous one.
  • 1960s - Floods caused by heavy rainfall severely affect Clay County.
  • 1990s - Clay County experiences a population decline due to economic changes.