Historical Marker

The Civil War in Lawrence County / Skirmishes in Lawrence County

Historical marker location:
Smithville, Arkansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Arkansas Route 115 and Elm Street, on the right when traveling west on State Route 115.)
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 has always been land that people came to for opportunity.
Asa Hutchinson in State of the State Address, January 14, 2021
Lawrence County, Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Quapaw peoples, who gradually moved out of the region as European settlers arrived.

During the early 1800s, Lawrence County became part of the Arkansas Territory after the Louisiana Purchase. The first European-American settler to establish a permanent home in the county was Benjamin Crow, who arrived in 1814. Shortly after, more settlers ventured into the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county's name is believed to be in honor of James Lawrence, a captain in the United States Navy who played a significant role in the War of 1812. Lawrence County officially became a county in 1815, and Walnut Ridge was designated as its county seat in 1852.

Lawrence County played a notable role in the Civil War, with many residents supporting the Confederacy. The county saw several military engagements, such as the Battle of Pitman's Ferry in 1863. Despite being occupied by Union forces during the latter part of the war, Lawrence County remained predominantly Confederate in its sympathies.

Throughout its history, Lawrence County experienced economic growth and development in various industries, including farming, mining, and timber. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Lawrence County continues to be a vibrant community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of heritage.

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

  • 1815 - Lawrence County, Arkansas is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1821 - The county seat is designated at Davidsonville, which becomes a prominent trading post on the Black River.
  • 1835 - The county seat is moved to Clover Bend, which becomes a thriving community along the Old Military Road.
  • 1849 - Powhatan, located on the Black River, becomes the new county seat and remains so to this day.
  • Late 1800s - Lawrence County experiences significant growth due to the timber industry, with many sawmills and logging operations being established.
  • 1937 - The Black River flood devastates the county, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 1950s - The construction of highways and the development of agriculture contribute to the county's economic growth.
  • 1973 - The Lawrence County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the history of the county.
  • 2000s - Lawrence County continues to be a rural community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.