Historical Marker

Lewisburg in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Morrilton, Arkansas
( Marker is on East Burrow Road west of South Bridge Street (State Route 9), 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 town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was founded in the late 19th century as a health resort due to its location near natural springs believed to have healing properties. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its Victorian architecture and scenic beauty.
Arkansas random facts
Conway County, Arkansas, located in the central region of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw and Osage. European exploration began in the 18th century, with French explorers navigating the Arkansas River.

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 opened up the region to American settlement. John Cunningham established the first permanent settlement in the area that would become Conway County in 1809. The county was officially established in 1825 and named after Henry Wharton Conway, a prominent politician from Arkansas Territory.

During the Civil War, Conway County experienced both Union and Confederate occupation. The Battle of Lewisburg took place in the county in 1864, with Confederate troops attempting to stop Union forces from advancing further into Arkansas. In the latter part of the war, Union troops were stationed in the county, and the town of Lewisburg was burned as a result of guerrilla warfare.

Following the war, Conway County saw rapid growth and development. The completion of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad in the 1870s provided improved transportation and boosted economic activity. Agriculture, specifically cotton farming and timber production, became the mainstay of the county's economy.

In the early 20th century, Conway County experienced growth in transportation infrastructure, with the construction of highways and the establishment of public schools. The construction of Nimrod Dam on the Arkansas River in the 1940s further contributed to the county's economic growth by providing hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities.

Today, Conway County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing services sector. The county is known for its natural beauty, with the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas River providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

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

  • 1825 - Conway County is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1831 - Morrilton becomes the county seat of Conway County.
  • 1861-1865 - Conway County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - Arkansas River floods cause significant damage to the county.
  • 1890 - The railroad reaches Morrilton, improving transportation and facilitating economic growth.
  • 1933 - Petit Jean State Park is established in Conway County.
  • 1948 - The Toad Suck Ferry is replaced by the Toad Suck Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River.
  • 1977 - The Morrilton Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1996 - The Conway County Museum is established in Morrilton.