Historical Marker

Arkansas in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
300 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas
( Marker can be reached from President Clinton Avenue.)

  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 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
Pulaski County, located in the central part of Arkansas, has a long and rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1818. Named after Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who fought alongside American forces during the Revolutionary War, the county quickly became a hub of trade and government activity.

In the early years, the county seat was initially located in Little Rock, which also served as the territorial capital of Arkansas. The city grew rapidly, fueled by its strategic location along the Arkansas River and the development of steamboat transportation. As a result, Pulaski County was at the center of political, economic, and cultural events in the state.

During the Civil War, Pulaski County witnessed significant military action. Union forces occupied Little Rock in 1863, marking a turning point in the war in Arkansas. The area's agricultural resources, including cotton plantations, also made it an important target for both Union and Confederate forces.

After the war, the county continued to thrive. Reconstruction brought about significant changes, including the establishment of an integrated public school system and the construction of railroads that further boosted trade and transportation. Little Rock became the state capital in 1821, solidifying Pulaski County's role as a political and administrative center.

Over the years, Pulaski County has experienced growth and development, becoming the most populous county in Arkansas. Today, it remains an important economic and cultural hub, home to diverse industries, educational institutions, and vibrant communities that showcase the unique heritage and lively spirit of the county's history.

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

  • 1818: Pulaski County is established as one of the original five counties in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1821: Little Rock, the county seat of Pulaski County, becomes the capital of the newly admitted state of Arkansas.
  • 1836: The Arkansas State Penitentiary is established in Pulaski County.
  • 1842: The first railroad, Cairo and Fulton Railroad, is completed in Pulaski County.
  • 1863: The Battle of Bayou Fourche takes place in Pulaski County during the American Civil War.
  • 1873: The Little Rock School District is established, marking the beginning of public education in Pulaski County.
  • 1881: The University of Arkansas Law School is established in Little Rock.
  • 1906: The Central High School is established in Little Rock.
  • 1957: The Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students, are integrated into Central High School, marking a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1992: The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is established in Little Rock.
  • 2001: The Pulaski County Special School District is established to oversee several school districts in the county.