Historical Marker

Wild Haws in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Lacrosse, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Lacrosse Road and County Road 57, on the left when traveling north on Lacrosse Road.)
Marker installed: 2014

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Arkansas.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors to the park can search for diamonds and other gems in the park's 37.5-acre diamond field.
Arkansas random facts
Izard County, located in the state of Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Osage and Cherokee tribes, who relied on agriculture, fishing, and hunting for survival. However, their way of life changed dramatically with the arrival of European explorers and settlers.

In the early 19th century, Thomas Freeman and Peter Custis led an exploration to the area, and it was during this time that the land was surveyed and mapped. The county was officially established on October 27, 1825, and named after George Izard, a former governor of the Arkansas Territory. The county's first courthouse was completed in 1826 and stood as a symbol of the region's growing importance and prosperity.

During the mid-19th century, Izard County experienced a surge in population growth, attracting settlers from various regions. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, became the main economic activity for many residents. The county also saw the establishment of several small communities and towns, including Melbourne and Calico Rock. However, the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 disrupted the county's progress, causing economic declines and social unrest.

In the decades that followed, Izard County slowly recovered from the effects of the war and its residents worked to rebuild their communities. The county's economy diversified, with industries such as mining, timber, and manufacturing emerging as important contributors to the local economy. Today, Izard County retains its agricultural roots while embracing modern developments in areas such as healthcare, education, and tourism, making it a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Arkansas.

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

  • 1808 - Izard County was established by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature.
  • 1825 - The county was named after George Izard, the second Governor of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1845 - The county's first courthouse was built in Mount Olive (now Boswell).
  • 1873 - Melbourne became the county seat, replacing Mount Olive.
  • 1963 - The current courthouse in Melbourne was constructed.
  • 1992 - The Calico Rock Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008 - Izard County celebrated its bicentennial.