Historical Marker

DeValls Bluff in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Main Street, DeValls Bluff, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (State Highway 33) and Prairie Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2010

  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 Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors to the park can search for diamonds and other gems in the park's 37.5-acre diamond field.
Arkansas random facts
Prairie County, Arkansas is located in the eastern part of the state and is rich in history. The area was initially home to indigenous tribes, including the Quapaw and Osage, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. With the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century, the region's importance as an agricultural center grew.

In the early 19th century, Prairie County became a hub for plantation agriculture, particularly cotton. Slavery played a significant role in the county's economy, with many large plantations employing enslaved laborers. The county's proximity to the White River allowed for the easy transportation of cotton to markets, further fueling the growth of the region's plantation system.

During the American Civil War, Prairie County witnessed significant battles and military actions. Union forces targeted the area due to its strategic location along major river routes. The Battle of Fitzhugh's Woods in 1864 was one such engagement that resulted in heavy casualties. The war deeply impacted the county, causing economic devastation and the loss of many lives.

Following the Civil War, Prairie County experienced a period of rebuilding and diversification. The construction of railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county's economy shifted from cotton to diversified farming, including rice, soybeans, and livestock. Today, Prairie County remains an important agricultural region, with a proud history rooted in its agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1813 - Prairie County established as a county in Arkansas Territory.
  • 1820 - Main settlement named DeValls Bluff, after a French trader who established a trading post.
  • 1861-1865 - Prairie County heavily involved in the American Civil War.
  • 1868 - County seat moved from Brownsville to DeValls Bluff.
  • 1881 - Completion of the Texas and St. Louis Railway linking DeValls Bluff to other parts of the state.
  • 1902 - Opening of the DeValls Bluff-Marianna Bridge over the White River, improving transportation.
  • 1965 - DeValls Bluff-Marianna Bridge collapsed, leading to the construction of a new bridge.
  • 1970s - Decline in population due to changes in agriculture and the decline of railroad transportation.
  • Present - Prairie County continues to be a predominantly rural area with agriculture as its primary industry.