| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff |
| | Named for the white clay which resembles chalk, this magnificent bluff is one of the most important historical landmarks in Arkansas. At this point the St. Francis River cuts through Crowley's Ridge from west to east and forms the boundary between Arkansas and Missouri. In 1857 David Dale Owen began the first geological survey of the state here. — Map (db m18136) |
| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff Crossing and Town |
| | Since Crowley's Ridge provided the only natural route for north-south travel across the lowlands of northeastern Arkansas, an Indian trail and later a military road crossed the river here. About 1840 Abraham Seitz established a ferry which was later operated by Timothy Dalton. The town which grew up near the crossing faded away after 1882 when the railroad bridged the river downstream at the new town of St. Francis. — Map (db m4912) |
| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff in the Civil War — Raids of March-April 1863 |
| | On March 10, 1863 Union cavalry captured the ferry after a three-hour fight. They burned buildings and stores of corn in Chalk Bluff and destroyed a large uncompleted ferry boat. Two weeks later on March 24 Union cavalry returned to Chalk Bluff and pursued retreating Confederates as far as Scatterville south of present day Piggott. On April 20 confederate cavalry surprised and routed a Union encampment across the river from Chalk Bluff. — Map (db m4906) |
| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff in the Civil War — Battle of May 1-2, 1863 |
| | In April 1863 a Confederate army of 5000 men commanded by General John S. Marmaduke advanced into Missouri. Forced to retreat before superior Union forces, the Confederates on May 1-2 fought a successful delaying action here while their army crossed the swollen St. Francis River on a makeshift floating bridge. — Map (db m4911) |
| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff in the Civil War — Skirmish of May 15, 1862 |
| | Chalk Bluff occupied a strategic position during the Civil War. Its cliffs commanded a vital river crossing on the only major road from Missouri into the Crowley's Ridge country. Provisions were collected here and shipped downstream to Confederate forces. At daybreak on May 15, 1862 Union troops seized the ferry, crossed the river under fire, captured the town and drove the Confederates into the woods. — Map (db m18186) |
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org