Historical Marker

Perry County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
408 West Main Street, Perryville, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and North Plum Street, on the left when traveling east on West Main Street.)
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.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century because of its natural hot springs. In fact, the area was designated as Hot Springs National Park in 1921, making it the oldest national park in the United States.
Arkansas random facts
Perry County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Osage, and Caddo peoples. These tribes lived off the land, engaging in hunting, fishing, and farming.

The region's history took a turn with the arrival of European explorers in the 17th century. French explorers, including Etienne de Veniard, Sieur de Bourgmont, and Jean Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe, ventured into the area, establishing trading posts and relationships with the native inhabitants.

Perry County itself was officially established on December 18, 1840, named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Early settlers were primarily of European descent, coming from various states in search of land, fertile soil, and economic opportunities. These early pioneers engaged in farming, timber, and mining activities, contributing to the growth and development of the county.

The county played a significant role during the American Civil War. While the majority of Perry County supported the Confederacy, Union sympathizers known as "Jayhawkers" conducted raids and skirmishes in the area. The Battle of Perryville, fought on October 28, 1863, involved both Confederate and Union forces, leaving a lasting impact on the county's history.

Today, Perry County is known for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The area is home to the Ouachita National Forest, which attracts visitors with its hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting activities. The county continues to honor its historical roots, preserving and commemorating significant landmarks, such as the Perry County Courthouse and the Museum of the Grand Prairie.

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

  • 1818: Perry County is established as the 12th county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1837: Perryville is designated as the county seat of Perry County.
  • Late 1800s: Perry County experiences growth and economic prosperity due to the timber and railroad industries.
  • 1927: The Hollis-Berry Bridge is constructed, connecting Perry County with Yell County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts Perry County's economy, causing hardships for its residents.
  • 1962: Lake Harris is created, providing recreational opportunities for Perry County residents.
  • 1995: Perry County Historical Museum is established in Perryville.
  • 2017: Perry County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its establishment.