Hicks' Station in the Civil War
Historical marker location: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 county itself was officially founded on April 16, 1873, during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War. It was named after a nearby creek, which derived its name from an Osage word meaning "lone oak." The city of Lonoke, located within the county, became the county seat.
Agriculture played a central role in Lonoke County's early development, with cotton and rice being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled economic growth in the county, as it facilitated the transportation of agricultural products to markets outside the region.
In the early 20th century, Lonoke County experienced significant social and economic changes. The introduction of mechanized farming methods led to an increase in productivity, while the Great Depression brought hardships to the region. However, the county rebounded during World War II when the construction of Camp Joseph T. Robinson, a military training facility, brought employment opportunities to the area.
Today, Lonoke County continues to be influenced by its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. The county is home to a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It also boasts a number of historic sites, including the Lonoke County Courthouse and the Lonoke County Museum, which provide a glimpse into the area's past.
Lonoke County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lonoke County, Arkansas.
- 1873 - Lonoke County was established on April 16.
- 1874 - Brownsville became the first county seat.
- 1876 - The county seat was moved to Lonoke.
- 1884 - England was incorporated as a town.
- 1889 - The town of Carlisle was incorporated.
- 1927 - A fire destroyed much of downtown Lonoke.
- 1942 - The construction of the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant began.
- 1950 - Cabot was incorporated as a town.
- 1964 - The Jacksonville Ordnance Plant was renamed Little Rock Air Force Base.
- 1972 - The city of Ward was incorporated.
- 2005 - Lonoke County celebrated its 132nd anniversary.