Historical Marker

The Civil War Brings Hardship

Historical marker location:
100 Columbia Street, Helena, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Columbia Street (Business U.S. 49) and Arkansas Street, on the right when traveling south on Columbia 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.

Audiobooks about the history of Arkansas.
The Arkansas State Capitol, located in Little Rock, was completed in 1915 and is notable for its Beaux-Arts architecture and gold-plated dome. The building houses the offices of the Governor and the Arkansas General Assembly, and is open to the public for tours.
Arkansas random facts
Phillips County, Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Caddo and Quapaw tribes, who utilized the Mississippi River for transportation and trade. European exploration began in the 16th century, with French explorers traversing the region.

During the 19th century, Phillips County played a significant role in the expansion of the United States. It became a major center for cotton cultivation and trade, with large plantations dominating the landscape. The growth of the cotton industry went hand in hand with the institution of slavery, as African Americans were forcibly brought to the area to work on these plantations.

The county witnessed several key events during the Civil War. In 1862, the Battle of Helena took place just across the river, where Union forces successfully defended the city against Confederate attacks. Following the war, the Reconstruction era brought significant changes to Phillips County, as African Americans gained political power and economic opportunities. However, racial tensions persisted, leading to violent incidents like the 1919 Elaine Massacre, during which numerous black residents were killed.

In the 20th century, the county faced economic challenges due to factors such as the decline of the cotton industry and the Great Depression. However, efforts were made to diversify the local economy, leading to growth in industries such as manufacturing and tourism. Today, Phillips County is a vibrant community, proud of its history while embracing a promising future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Phillips County, Arkansas.

  • 1815: Phillips County is established in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1820: Helena becomes the county seat of Phillips County.
  • 1861-1865: Phillips County is heavily involved in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes occurring throughout the area.
  • Late 1800s: Helena experiences a period of prosperity due to the timber and cotton industries.
  • 1919: Phillips County Race Riot takes place, resulting in the deaths of numerous African Americans.
  • 1930-1940s: The Great Depression and decline in agriculture negatively impact Phillips County.
  • 1968: The Phillips County Training School in Elaine becomes the center of racial tensions and violence during the Elaine Massacre.