St. Francis in Clay County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Chalk Bluff in the Civil War

Raids of March-April 1863

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 14, 2009

1. Chalk Bluff in the Civil War Marker

This marker was recently remounted on a two post frame.

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1973 by Arkansas History Commission - Clay County Centennial Year.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1863.

Location. 36° 28.717′ N, 90° 9.809′ W. Marker is in St. Francis, Arkansas, in Clay County. Marker is on County Road 347. Located at the start of a walking trail in Chalk Bluff Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Piggott AR 72454, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chalk Bluff (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Chalk Bluff in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Chalk Bluff Crossing and Town (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Chalk Bluff in the Civil War

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(about 700 feet away); The Battle at Chalk Bluff (approx. 0.7 miles away in Missouri).

Original Mounting image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, circa 1998

2. Original Mounting

Chalk Bluff in the Civil War Marker on the Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 14, 2009

3. Chalk Bluff in the Civil War Marker on the Trail

Ferry Crossing Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

4. Ferry Crossing Site

The town of Chalk Bluff is nothing more than a place name today, but during the 19th century it was an important local crossing point over the St. Francis River. The far side of the river here is Dunklin County, Missouri. Later in May 1863, Confederates were forced to cross the river by way of a rudimentary floating bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,276 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on January 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on January 22, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.