American Civil War Monument
Historical marker location: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.
Arkansas has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.
In 1815, the United States government acquired the area as part of the Louisiana Purchase, leading to an influx of settlers. Randolph County was officially established on October 29, 1835, named after John Randolph of Virginia, a prominent politician during that time. The county's growth was primarily driven by agriculture, with cotton becoming a dominant crop.
During the Civil War, Randolph County was the site of several significant events. It was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces at different times, resulting in clashes and skirmishes. The Battle of Pitman's Ferry in 1864, for example, saw a Union victory as they successfully defended against Confederate attacks.
After the war, Randolph County continued to develop economically. The arrival of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway in the late 19th century enhanced transportation and stimulated trade in the area. With the decline of cotton production, farmers diversified into other crops such as soybeans and corn. The establishment of small industries, particularly in the timber and logging sector, also contributed to the county's growth.
Today, Randolph County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Its historical sites, including the Randolph County Courthouse and Davidsonville Historic State Park, are popular attractions for visitors. The county's rich heritage, shaped by Native American influences and its role in the Civil War, is evident in its diverse cultural landscape.
Randolph County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Randolph County, Arkansas.
- 1800s: Native American tribes, including the Osage and Quapaw, inhabit the area that will become Randolph County.
- 1835: The Treaty of Washington is signed, removing Native Americans from the region and opening it up for settlement.
- 1836: Randolph County is established on October 29th, becoming the 32nd county of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1861-1865: Randolph County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War, experiencing battles, raids, and occupation by both Union and Confederate forces.
- Late 1800s: The timber industry booms in Randolph County, leading to significant economic growth and population increase.
- 1904: The town of Pocahontas becomes the county seat of Randolph County.
- Early 1900s: Agriculture becomes the primary industry in the county, with cotton, corn, soybeans, and livestock being major commodities.
- 1930s: The Great Depression deeply affects Randolph County, leading to high unemployment rates and economic hardship.
- 1960s: The construction of the Eleven Point River Dam brings new recreational opportunities to Randolph County.
- 1980s-1990s: The county experiences economic diversification, with the growth of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
- Present: Randolph County continues to be known for its beautiful natural landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and strong sense of community.