Historical Marker

Jacksonport in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Avenue Street, Jacksonport, Arkansas
( Marker can be reached from Avenue Street west of Dillard Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1965

  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
Jackson County, located in northeastern Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by native tribes, including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw, who relied on the fertile land near the White River for hunting and farming. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto, ventured through the region in the 16th century, but it was not until the early 19th century that the county began to see significant settlement by American pioneers.

In 1829, Jackson County was established by the Arkansas territorial legislature, named after President Andrew Jackson. The county quickly grew, with settlers flocking to the area for its agricultural potential and natural resources. The pioneer community expanded along the riverbanks, establishing towns like Newport, Tuckerman, and Jacksonport, which would become the county seat.

During the Civil War, Jackson County played a pivotal role as a strategic location along the White River. Confederate troops occupied the region, using Jacksonport as a military supply depot. However, the area suffered heavily from guerrilla warfare and Union raids, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.

Following the war, Jackson County experienced a period of recovery and reconstruction. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the local economy, attracting new settlers and contributing to the county's growth. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated transportation and trade in the area.

In the 20th century, Jackson County continued to adapt to changing economic and social landscapes. The decline of cotton farming led to a shift towards other agricultural practices, such as rice cultivation. Industrial development, including the establishment of factories and the growth of the timber industry, brought new opportunities and prosperity to the county. Today, Jackson County remains a vibrant community with a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, preserving its historical legacy while building a prosperous future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Arkansas.

  • 1816 - Jackson County is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1829 - The County seat is moved from the first county seat in Lawrenceville to Jackson Court House (now known as Jacksonport).
  • 1833 - Jacksonport becomes a strategic river port due to its location on the White River, leading to economic growth in the county.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Cotton Plant takes place during the Civil War, resulting in significant casualties and destruction in the county.
  • 1872 - Newport becomes the new county seat after being established as a railroad town along the Iron Mountain Railway.
  • 1937 - The Jacksonport State Park is established to preserve the history and heritage of the area.
  • 1950s - The construction of Greers Ferry Dam and Reservoir brings economic opportunities and recreational activities to the county.
  • 2009 - The Jackson County Historical Society opens the Jacksonport State Park Museum to showcase the county's rich history.
  • Present - Jackson County continues to thrive with a strong agricultural sector and a growing tourism industry.