History Commons^™

African American Service In The United States Civil War: The Forgotten Ten Percent, Jacob Roberts

History Class Publications

Throughout the early years of the development of the United States, the outright discrimination and prejudice directed against African American men, women, and children unfortunately became widely accepted, specifically in the southern regions of the country. Even in today’s society, in the 21^st century, instances of racism and hatred towards people of color are still prevalent. Despite over 200 years of growth and progress, many individuals in the United States still hold true to the beliefs that were consistent with racists and bigots of the pre-Civil War era. African Americans continue to experience the same trials and judgment that …

Flanagin Serves On Military Board, Wendy Richter

Articles

At a critical point in the Civil War in Arkansas, major troop movements occurred in Arkansas after the United States army occupied Arkansas's capital city on September 10, 1863. Union General Frederick Steele led the U.S. Army into Little Rock, and the Confederates withdrew to the southwest.

Ashby's Building Used By Freedmen's Bureau, Wendy Richter

Articles

The years following the Civil War were tumultuous times in the South as people began to adjust to a new way of life. To assist in that effort, the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands--commonly called the Freedmen's Bureau--began work in Arkansas in June of 1865. In the state, the federal agency helped a population of approximately 110,000 African Americans.

Marker Highlights Significance Of Military Road, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

A historical marker standing near the Diamond Lakes Visitors Center in Caddo Valley highlights the significance of the Military Road as a major transportation artery during the Civil War and through Arkansas' early history. It also describes Arkadelphia's role as a Confederate manufacturing and supply center during the war: The "powder works" and "arsenal" were among this area's significant contributions to the Confederate war effort.

Ambrose Civil War Letters, Archivists

Guides and Finding Aids

Joseph Scrivner Ambrose IV was born in 1835 in Clay County, Kentucky, the sixth child of Joseph Scrivner Ambrose III and Hannah Clements Ambrose. J. S. Ambrose IV joined the Confederate States Army as a captain, Company F, 8th Kentucky Cavalry, on September 10, 1862, in Boone County, Kentucky. During the war, Ambrose participated in a Confederate incursion covering hundreds of miles of Union territory during a nearly month-long campaign, known as "Morgan's Raid." Led by General John Hunt Morgan, the legendary raid went deeper into the North than any other Confederate Army campaign, but the men were forced to …

Okolona, Elkins' Ferry Hosted Civil War Battles, Wendy Richter

Articles

One hundred fifty-two years ago, in April 1864, thousands of Union and Confederate troops were in Clark County. The Clark County Historical Association recently unveiled a new marker describing the military events in the southwestern portion of the county during the spring of 1864. The official ceremony included remarks by Historical Association president Bob Thompson, Okolona Mayor Sara Cox, museum coordinator Laverne Todd and editor and local historian Joe May. The marker, sponsored by the Historical Association and funded with a grant from the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, now stands in Okolona and tells the story of what happened …

The Battle Of Pea Ridge, Robert Lewis

History Class Publications

The Battle of Pea Ridge was a Civil War battle that was fought in northwest Arkansas. The battle was the largest and most significant Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Despite the fact the battle involved a large number of forces on both sides, and the outcome of the battle greatly influenced which side controlled the states west of the Mississippi for the remainder of the Civil War the battle has been understudied by historians. There is a great story to be told regarding the Battle of Pea Ridge. The story is unique, because for many of …

Keeping A Town Alive?: The Civil War Re-Enactment Of The Battle Of Pilot Knob, Laura Marie Gentry

Honors Theses

There is a place surrounded by thousands of acres of natural forests encircled by seven beautiful state parks nestled between the highest peaks in Missouri with rich Ozark history. Imagine three small towns situated in a valley of the Ozarks Mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery, a perfect retreat from busyness of the city and the working world. Would you be interested in escaping here for a weekend or possibly for the rest of your life?

If you even entertained the idea, local Chamber of Commerce officials succeeded in making you believe that Arcadia Valley or the towns of lronton, Arcadia, …

Devotedly Yours: The Prison Letters Of Captain Joseph Scrivner Ambrose Iv, C.S.A., Rebeccah Helen Pedrick

Honors Theses

Tales of war-valor, courage, intrigue, winners, losers, common men, outstanding officers. Such stories captivate, enthrall, and inspire each generation, though readers often feel distanced from the participants. The central figures of these tales are heroes, seemingly beyond the reach of ordinary men. Through a more intimate glimpse of one such figure, the affectionate letters of Joseph Scrivner Ambrose to his sister, written from prison during America's Civil War, perhaps one can find more than a hero- one can find a man with whom one can identify, a man who exemplifies the truth of the old adage, "Heroes are made, not …

Washington, Arkansas: "The War Years" (1860-1865), Don Yancey

Honors Theses

To the ignorant visitor to Washington, Arkansas, it may seem a bit strange that this tiny, decaying Southern town played such an important role during the War Between the States. The strangeness disappears, however, when one learns of how its location in the South, its people, and its monetary and troop contributions meant to the war effort here in Arkansas. Even when the Federals took control of Little Rock, the state capitol, Washington volunteered its services to serve as the Confederate State Capitol. Despite its later decline, Washington occupies a commanding position in the state history of Arkansas and the …

Medical Conditions In Arkansas During The Civil War, Karen Polk

Honors Theses

The Civil War was a war of great suffering, pain, and ignorance in the medial field and on the battlefield. The Arkansas soldier suffered for lack of medical supplies, medical care, and food. If the fear of being wounded was not enough, the soldier was apt to die either in an unsafe hospital or on the battlefield due to exposure. Contagious diseases spread like wildfire through the camps, and medicines, if available, were scarce and inadequate. Trying to provide for the soldiers was a main aim of the citizens, who established hospitals, and sacrificed commodities for the 'lost cause.' After …

The Camden Expedition: Spring, 1864, James Adrian Ryan Jr.

Honors Theses

General Nathaniel P. Banks assumed command of the Department of the Gulf for the United States on November 8, 1862. IN assuming his office Banks received orders from General-in-Chief Henry W. Halleck conveying President Lincoln's concern that no time be lost in opening the Mississippi River for military and naval operations. As soon as this was accomplished, Banks was to consider other operations, such as an expedition up the Red River to liberate the cotton and sugar in Northern Louisiana and Southern Arkansas. He was also to establish a base of operation for the invasion of Texas. This decision was …