Historical Marker

Wittsburg in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
1062 Cross County Road 739, Wittsburg, Arkansas
( Marker is on State Highway 163, 2.2 miles south of Highway 64, on the left when traveling south.)
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.

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
Cross County, located in northeastern Arkansas, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Osage and Quapaw, who utilized the region's fertile lands for fishing, hunting, and farming. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, and French trappers and traders were among the first to establish contact with the native inhabitants.

In the early 19th century, Cross County was part of the Arkansas Territory, and the region began to attract settlers looking for fertile lands for agriculture. The county was officially established on November 15, 1862, during the American Civil War. Named after Confederate Colonel David C. Cross, the county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cross County experienced significant growth, thanks to the expansion of railroads and improved transportation links. This development led to the growth of towns like Wynne, the county seat, and the establishment of numerous small communities throughout the county. The county's economy continued to rely on agriculture, although diversification occurred with the introduction of timber and lumber industries.

In the mid-20th century, Cross County, like many other rural areas in the South, faced considerable challenges brought on by changing agricultural practices and the overall decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county has continued to adapt and evolve, attracting new industries and businesses. Today, Cross County is a mix of agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities, offering its residents a blend of rural charm and economic opportunities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cross County, Arkansas.

  • 1800s: Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw, inhabit the area that is now Cross County.
  • 1838: Government surveys indicate that settlement is beginning in what would become Cross County.
  • 1850: The Cross Roads community is established as a trading post.
  • 1862: Cross County is officially established by the Arkansas General Assembly.
  • 1864: The Battle of Fitzhugh's Woods takes place, where Union and Confederate forces clash during the Civil War.
  • 1873: The county seat is moved from Wittsburg to the newly established city of Crossville.
  • 1886: Wynne becomes the new county seat.
  • 1920s: Agriculture becomes the primary industry in Cross County, with cotton being the main cash crop.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Cross County, with the agricultural industry suffering.
  • 1980: The construction of Interstate 40 brings increased accessibility and economic growth to Cross County.
  • Present: Cross County continues to be an agricultural community while also experiencing some industrial and commercial development.