Historical Marker

Searcy Landing in the Civil War / Guerrilla War on the Little Red

Historical marker location:
1 Golf Course Drive, Searcy, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Golf Course Drive and Cottage Lake Drive, on the right when traveling north on Golf Course Drive.)
Marker installed: 2012

  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 one of the first states in the U.S. to enact a statewide prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol, passing the law in 1915. Prohibition was repealed in the state in 1933, shortly after the end of the nationwide prohibition era.
Arkansas random facts
White County is located in the state of Arkansas in the United States. It was established on October 23, 1835, and was named after Hugh Lawson White, a prominent politician during that time. The area that is now White County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Quapaw people.

In the early 19th century, settlers began to pour into the region, attracted by the fertile soil and ample hunting opportunities. The first town to be established in White County was Searcy, which became the county seat in 1837. The town quickly grew, thanks to the construction of the Southwest Trail, a major trade route that ran through the area.

During the Civil War, White County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents siding with the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The Battle of Whitney's Lane, fought in July 1864, was a significant event in the county's history, as Union troops defeated Confederate forces near West Point.

In the years following the war, agriculture became the backbone of White County's economy. Cotton, corn, and wheat were among the main crops grown in the area, and a number of gristmills and cotton gins were established to support the agricultural industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening up new markets for farmers.

Today, White County continues to be an important agricultural region, known for its production of soybeans, rice, and poultry. In addition to its agricultural heritage, the county is also home to several industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. With its rich history and thriving economy, White County remains a vibrant community in the heart of Arkansas.

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

  • 1809: White County is created on October 23, 1809, as part of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1836: Searcy becomes the county seat of White County.
  • 1861-1865: White County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The city of Beebe is incorporated.
  • 1892: The city of Bald Knob is incorporated.
  • 1921: The Harding College (now known as Harding University) is established in Searcy.
  • 1930s: The White County Cooperative Extension Service is established.
  • 1940: Bald Knob and Bradford railroads merge, creating the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Company.
  • 1996: The White County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2008: The city of Searcy passes an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.