Quick to Volunteer
Between 1861 and 1865, several hundred men— one-third of
the able-bodied men in Phillips County — joined the
Confederate army. Most enlisted in the opening weeks of the
Civil War. The volunteers joined the ranks of the 2nd, 13th,
15th, and 23rd Arkansas Infantry regiments, Key's Battery
(Helena Light Artillery), and Dobbins' 1st Arkansas Cavalry.
Served under Helena's Gen. Cleburne
The 2nd, 13th, and 15th Arkansas infantries and Key's
Battery fought in the Western Theater of the war, for the
most part under Gen. Patrick Cleburne. The 13th was
engaged also at Belmont, Missouri. Key's Battery fought and
surrendered at Selma, Alabama.
Took Part in Price's Missouri Expedition
The 23rd Arkansas took part in the Iuka-Corinth Campaign,
fighting at Corinth and Hatchie's Bridge. It later became part
of the garrison at Port Hudson, Louisiana, where it was
captured. When exchanged the regiment joined Price's
Missouri Expedition.
Dobbins' 1st Arkansas Cavalry was engaged at the battles of
Helena and Tulip, and took part in the Little Rock Campaign.
The regiment returned to Phillips County where it fought at
Big Creek before joining Prices Missouri Expedition.
Generals Hindman and Tappan
Though no
other men from Phillips County took part,
Gen. Thomas Hindman commanded the Confederate
forces at the Battle of Prairie Grove and Gen. James Tappan
led a brigade at the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill and
Jenkins' Ferry.
[Photo captions]
Bottom left: Artifacts: Spent Minie balls: from the collection of the late Joe Medonia, Helena, Arkansas; 1860 Army Colt revolver, CS belt buckle and sword: William Penn, Midway, Kentucky; reproduction Minie balls and Confederate half-dollars: Joseph Brent, Versailles, Kentucky.
Bottom middle: Flag of Dobbins' 1st Arkansas Cavalry - Courtesy Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Top right: Flag of Key's Battery - Courtesy Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Background: Map of Battles in which Phillips County Men Fought
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