The War in Van Buren County / Troops Raised in Van Buren County
Most of the violence that took place in Van Buren Co. during the Civil War was caused by irregular troops. Southern units were called bushwhackers; northern guerrillas were termed jayhawkers. Both sides often preyed on innocent civilians, taking food and property. The 5th Missouri Cavalry (U.S.) fought bushwhackers at Knights Cove June 19, 1862, and the 11th Missouri Cavalry skirmished with guerrillas on the Little Red River on March 25, 1864, killing 12 men. Bushwhackers burned the Van Buren Co. Courthouse in Clinton to the ground in 1865.
Van Buren Co. was divided during the Civil War. Confederate troops were recruited for the 8th and 10th Arkansas Cavalry Regiments and the 31st and 36th Arkansas Infantry. Many men joined the pro-Union Arkansas Peace Society, were arrested, and marched to Little Rock, where they were given the choice of going to prison or joining the Confederate army. Many of the reluctant recruits deserted at their first chance, later enlisting in Union army regiments. Many veterans of both sides are buried in cemeteries throughout Van Buren Co.
Erected 2011 by Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, River Valley Genealogy Society, Arkansas
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1864.
Location. 35° 35.57′ N, 92° 27.334′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Arkansas, in Van Buren County. Marker is on Main Street west of U.S. 65, on the right when traveling west. Located in Veterans Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Main Street, Clinton AR 72031, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Van Buren County (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line).
More about this marker. The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission has been notified of the condition of this marker.
Regarding The War in Van Buren County / Troops Raised in Van Buren County. The frame courthouse, that had replaced the older log structure, was burned by bushwhackers. For four years, the county government met in the Methodist church. A new frame courthouse was constructed for $30,000.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.