Historical Marker

Madison in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Madison, Arkansas
( Marker is on U.S. 70, 0.3 miles east of County Road 769, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2014

  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.
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
St. Francis County, located in eastern Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The county was officially established on October 13, 1827, and named after St. Francis River, which flows through the region.

In its early years, St. Francis County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton being the dominant crop. Large-scale plantation farming was prevalent, relying heavily on enslaved laborers. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, the county's economy expanded, leading to increased trade and industrial development. Timber and lumber industries also played a significant role in the county's growth during this period.

St. Francis County experienced significant changes during the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century. Like many other areas in the South, African Americans faced discrimination and segregated conditions in the county. The battle for racial equality led to numerous demonstrations, protests, and court cases that helped pave the way for desegregation and the advancement of civil rights in the county and across the nation.

Today, St. Francis County continues to be primarily rural with a diverse economy. The agricultural industry still remains important, with soybeans, rice, and corn being the main crops. The county is also a hub for commercial and recreational activities, with numerous natural resources like hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Francis County, Arkansas.

  • 1800s: St. Francis County is established on October 13, 1827.
  • 1830s: The first courthouse in St. Francis County is built in Franklin.
  • 1860s: The Civil War impacts St. Francis County, with both Union and Confederate troops occupying the area at different times.
  • 1880s: The St. Francis County seat is moved from Franklin to Forrest City in 1886.
  • 1900s: The Cotton Belt Railroad connects St. Francis County with Memphis, Tennessee, boosting the local economy.
  • 1920s: The segregation era brings challenges and social unrest to St. Francis County.
  • 1940s: The establishment of the military air training facility, the Forrest City Army Airfield, contributes to economic development.
  • 1950s: Forrest City's population grows, and new schools and infrastructure are built.
  • 1990s: Education and tourism become important sectors for St. Francis County's economy.
  • 2000s: The county continues to develop, with advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and business opportunities.