Jackson Guards Memorial
a.k.a. JA0496S
Jacksonport State Park, jct. of Washington and Avenue Sts., Jacksonport, AR Local significance of the object: Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Arkansas has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.
About Jackson County
Jackson County Timeline
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.
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.
Jackson County Timeline
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.