Historical Marker

The Civil War in Cleburne County / Troops Raised in Cleburne County

Historical marker location:
301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and South 4th Street, on the left when traveling west on West Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2012

  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.

Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century because of its natural hot springs. In fact, the area was designated as Hot Springs National Park in 1921, making it the oldest national park in the United States.
Arkansas random facts
Cleburne County, Arkansas, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, Quapaw, and Caddo, who lived off the land and traded with French explorers. European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s, drawn by the fertile land, timber resources, and opportunities for trade.

The county was officially established on February 20, 1883, named after Confederate General Patrick Cleburne. The county seat is the city of Heber Springs, which was founded in 1881. Heber Springs quickly developed into a center for trade and commerce, fueled by the logging industry and the growth of agriculture. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cleburne County flourished as a hub for transportation, with the arrival of railroads connecting the area to neighboring cities and markets.

During the Great Depression, Cleburne County, like many other regions in the country, faced economic challenges. However, with the establishment of the Greer's Ferry Dam and Lake in the 1960s, the area experienced a revival. The creation of the lake not only provided a recreational destination for residents and tourists but also helped boost the local economy through tourism and increased property values.

Today, Cleburne County continues to be an attractive place to live, with its scenic beauty, rich history, and opportunities for outdoor activities. The county is home to several attractions, such as the William Carl Garner Visitor Center, the Ozark Folk Center State Park, and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and festivals celebrating local artists and craftsmen.

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

  • 1823 - Cleburne County, AR is established as the 60th county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1830s - The area starts to attract settlers, mainly from the southeastern United States.
  • 1850 - Census records indicate a population of 4,857 people in Cleburne County.
  • 1852 - The town of Heber Springs is founded.
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, Cleburne County becomes a strategic location, with Confederate forces using the Little Red River as a defensive line.
  • 1873 - The railroad reaches Cleburne County, boosting the local economy and facilitating transportation and trade.
  • 1941 - Greers Ferry Dam is constructed on the Little Red River, forming Greers Ferry Lake, a popular recreation site.
  • 1959 - The John F. Kennedy Boyhood Home and Museum is established in Heber Springs.
  • 1992 - President Bill Clinton designates part of the Little Red River as a National Wild and Scenic River.