Historical Marker

Clarendon in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
204 Madison Street, Clarendon, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Madison Street and North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on Madison Street.)
Marker installed: 2013

  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 Little Rock Nine were a group of African American students who were the first to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, during the Civil Rights Movement. The event gained national attention and was a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equality.
Arkansas random facts
Monroe County, Arkansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Quapaw and Osage, who relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto and French trappers, arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In the early 19th century, Monroe County experienced a significant influx of settlers, primarily from the eastern United States. The county was established in 1829 and named after President James Monroe. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with plantations cultivating cotton and other crops using enslaved African Americans as labor. During this time, the county's population grew rapidly.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Monroe County. Initially, many residents supported the Confederacy, and a number of men enlisted in the Confederate army. However, the county was occupied by Union forces in 1863, leading to a shift in allegiances. Following the war, the region faced economic devastation as plantations were abandoned and former slaves sought to establish their own lives.

In the decades that followed, Monroe County slowly recovered and diversified its economy. Timber, fishing, and oil became important industries. The county also witnessed advancements in transportation, with the construction of railroads and roads that connected it to larger markets. Today, Monroe County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1813 - The land that would become Monroe County was acquired from the Chickasaw Nation through the Treaty of Fort Confederation.
  • 1831 - Monroe County was established as a county in the Territory of Arkansas.
  • 1832 - The county seat was established in Clarendon.
  • 1848 - Construction of the Little Rock and Memphis Railroad began, passing through Monroe County in the 1850s and bringing economic growth.
  • 1887 - The county seat was moved from Clarendon to DeValls Bluff.
  • 1944 - Camp Maxey, an army training facility, was established near the town of Clarendon and remained active until 1946.
  • 1968 - The Great Flood of 1968 caused significant damage in Monroe County and led to changes in flood control measures.
  • 1988 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge, which covers portions of Monroe County.