Helena in Phillips County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The Guns

Seven large guns, or cannons, protected Fort Curtis

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

1. The Guns Marker

Inscription.
The muzzles of six 24-pounders and one 32-pounder extended over the fort walls. The "pounder" designation meant that the cannon fired 24 or 32-pound balls respectively.

These large guns were usually found at coastal forts, where they provided defense against well-armed ships. Fort Curtis's guns never fired on a ship but they helped repel the Confederate soldiers who attacked Helena on July 4, 1863.

[Photo caption]
The twin forts below New Orleans mounted large guns like those in Fort Curtis.

Erected 2012 by the Arkansas Department of Heritage/Delta Cultural Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1863.

Location. 34° 31.511′ N, 90° 35.495′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. Marker can be reached from York Street west of Columbia Street. Located inside the replica New Fort Curtis. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 Columbia Street, Helena AR 72342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flags over Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Curtis, 1862-1867 (within

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

shouting distance of this marker); Defending Helena (within shouting distance of this marker); Who Built Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); Life Under Union Occupation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); U.S.C.T. in Helena (about 300 feet away); The Civil War Brings Hardship (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Regarding The Guns. The reconstructed fort was dedicated in Helena-West Helena on May 11, 2012, and is open to the public.

Also see . . . Fort Curtis. Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture Website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

One of the "guns" (24-pounder) at the New Fort Curtis. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

2. One of the "guns" (24-pounder) at the New Fort Curtis.

Marker and cannon in southeast corner of fort. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

3. Marker and cannon in southeast corner of fort.

Another 24-pounder cannon in northeast corner of fort. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

4. Another 24-pounder cannon in northeast corner of fort.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.