Historical Marker

Civil War in Fulton County / Action at Salem

Historical marker location:
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas
( Marker is on U.S. 63, 0.1 miles north of Main Street (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling north.)
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 Clinton Presidential Library is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is dedicated to the life and legacy of former President Bill Clinton, who was the 42nd President of the United States. The library contains more than 2 million photographs, documents, and artifacts from Clinton's presidency.
Arkansas random facts
Fulton County, AR is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Osage, who utilized the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century, the indigenous population was gradually displaced.

The establishment of the county itself dates back to December 1842, when the Arkansas State Legislature organized Fulton County, naming it after William Fulton, the last governor of the Arkansas Territory. The county seat was initially located in Salem, but it was later moved to its current location in Salem.

During the Civil War, Fulton County experienced its fair share of conflicts between Confederate and Union forces. Several battles were fought in the area, including skirmishes along the nearby Spring River. In 1862, Union troops occupied the county, leading to tensions and incidents of guerrilla warfare. Following the war, Fulton County slowly began to rebuild and develop economically.

Economic development in the county primarily revolved around agriculture, with families relying on livestock farming, timber, and crop cultivation. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the arrival of the railroad brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce. Small towns and communities in Fulton County sprang up around the railroad stations, further contributing to the county's growth.

In the 20th century, Fulton County experienced ups and downs as it dealt with challenges such as the Great Depression and subsequent economic struggles. However, the county persevered and continued to adapt, focusing on industries like poultry farming and manufacturing. Today, Fulton County is a picturesque region known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant local culture.

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

  • 1842 - Fulton County is established as the 42nd county of Arkansas.
  • Early 1800s - Native American tribes like the Cherokee and Osage inhabit the region.
  • Late 1800s - European settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1880s - The railroad expands into Fulton County, leading to population growth and economic development.
  • 1890s - The first courthouse is constructed in Salem, the county seat.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becomes the main economic activity.
  • 1938 - Mammoth Spring State Park is established, attracting tourists to the area.
  • 1942-1945 - World War II leads to an increase in manufacturing jobs and military training in the county.
  • 1960s - The norfork Dam is completed, which creates Norfork Lake and boosts tourism and recreational activities.
  • 1990s - A decline in agriculture and a shift towards tourism, retail, and healthcare sectors in the county's economy.
  • 2009 - The county celebrates its 167th anniversary since its establishment.