Historical Marker

Sevier County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Belleville, Arkansas
( Marker is on Arkansas Route 317, 0.3 miles east of U.S. 59/71, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2015

  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.

Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which was the largest land acquisition in U.S. history, and the state was later admitted to the Union as the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
Arkansas random facts
Sevier County, located in southwest Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history. It was named after John Sevier, a prominent figure in Tennessee's early history who also served as Governor of Tennessee. The county was officially established in 1828, and its first county seat was Paraclifta. However, in 1851, the seat was moved to Lockesburg, where it remains today.

In the early years of settlement, Sevier County was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw. However, as more settlers arrived in the area, conflicts arose between the Native Americans and the newcomers, eventually leading to their forced removal by the United States government. This event, known as the Trail of Tears, greatly impacted the county and its history.

During the Civil War, Sevier County was situated on the border between the Union and Confederate territories, resulting in significant military activity in the area. The Battle of Mill Creek, fought in 1864, was one of the most notable engagements in the county during the war. Sevier County also played a part in the expansion of the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Kansas City Southern Railway running through the county.

In more recent history, Sevier County has become known for its natural beauty and attractions. It is home to the Ouachita National Forest, which offers stunning landscapes and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is also famous for its annual reenactment of the Battle of Cove Creek during the Memorial Day weekend. Today, Sevier County continues to thrive as a welcoming community with a strong sense of heritage and appreciation for its past.

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

  • 1828 - Sevier County is established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1835 - The first settler, Nicholas Copeland, arrives in the area.
  • 1851 - The first post office is established in Paraclifta.
  • 1861-1865 - Sevier County experiences hardships and changes during the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad is completed, bringing economic growth to the county.
  • 1891 - The town of De Queen is officially incorporated.
  • 1915 - The Sevier County Courthouse in De Queen is built, replacing the previous courthouse.
  • 1920s - The discovery of oil brings prosperity and development to Sevier County.
  • 1964 - De Queen Lake is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents.
  • 1985 - The Sevier County Museum is established in De Queen.
  • 2004 - The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is opened.