Historical Marker

The Sharp Family and the Civil War / The Civil War in Sharp County

Historical marker location:
Evening Shade, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Court Street and Spring Street, on the left when traveling north on Court Street.)
Marker installed: 2016

  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.

In the early 20th century, Arkansas became a major producer of rice, thanks to the development of new varieties of rice that could thrive in the state's humid climate. Today, Arkansas is one of the largest producers of rice in the U.S.
Arkansas random facts
Sharp County, located in the northeastern region of Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history. The county was officially established on July 18, 1868, and named after Ephraim Sharp, a state senator who was instrumental in its formation. However, the area had been inhabited for thousands of years before its official establishment, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back to prehistoric times.

In the early 19th century, settlers from the eastern United States began to make their way into the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The pioneer families were primarily engaged in farming and timber-related industries, taking advantage of the county's ample forests.

During the Civil War, Sharp County, like much of Arkansas, was heavily divided. While some residents supported the Confederate cause, others remained loyal to the Union. This internal conflict led to ongoing tensions and sporadic violence throughout the war.

After the war, Sharp County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred economic growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and access to new markets. The population steadily increased, and communities such as Hardy and Cherokee Village began to thrive.

Today, Sharp County continues to be an important agricultural and tourism hub in Arkansas. Its scenic landscapes, including the Ozark Mountains and Spring River, attract visitors from near and far. The county also preserves its historical heritage through numerous museums and landmarks, ensuring that the rich history of the area remains available for future generations to appreciate.

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

  • 1818: Sharp County is established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1830: The county seat is established in the town of Davidsonville.
  • 1868: The town of Davidsonville is abandoned, and its county seat status is transferred to Evening Shade.
  • 1873: The current county seat is established in the town of Hardy.
  • 1940: The Spring River, located in Sharp County, becomes popular for recreational activities such as swimming and floating.
  • 1980: The historic Hardy Commercial District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2019: The population of Sharp County is estimated to be over 17,000 residents.