Center Point in Howard County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Howard County in the Civil War

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 2, 2018

1. Howard County in the Civil War Marker

Inscription. At least four Confederate companies were recruited in what is now Howard County, including three serving in the 19th Arkansas Infantry, which trained near Center Point. The 19th Arkansas was part of the garrison at Arkansas Post when it was overwhelmed on Jan. 11, 1863. After being released from Union prison camp, the survivors of the 19th joined the Army of Tennessee, fighting in Georgia and Tennessee. Few remained when the army surrendered in North Carolina in 1865. One skirmish was fought in Howard County, a Jan. 24, 1864, battle at Baker’s Springs.

Erected 2015 by Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, People of Center Point and Howard County, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. (Marker Number 126.)

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 January 11, 1863.

Location. 34° 1.61′ N, 93° 56.862′ W. Marker is in Center Point, Arkansas, in Howard County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 278 and 1st Street, on the left when traveling

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north on U.S. 278. Located near a gazebo in a small, corner park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville AR 71852, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains

and in Caddo Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Center Point (a few steps from this marker); Howard County, Arkansas (approx. 7.9 miles away); Isaac C. Perkins (approx. 8 miles away).

Regarding Howard County in the Civil War. At the time of the Civil War, Baker Springs was a spa/resort about 10 miles west of Umpire and a mile north of U.S. Highway 278. The Skirmish at Baker's Springs included over 100 union

view from marker looking south at the U.S. 278/AR-26 intersection. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 2, 2018

2. view from marker looking south at the U.S. 278/AR-26 intersection.

troops from the 2nd Kansas cavalry, led by Capt E.A Baker who set up an ambush near the springs. Baker raided where Capt. J.B. Williamson and some of his men were camped. Six Confederates, including Capt. Williamson, were killed and over 20 were taken as prisoners. The Confederate casualties were buried on a hill overlooking the springs and the Union casualties were buried down near the Baker Creek. In recent times a local farmer supposedly used a tractor and pushed the Union markers into the creek.

Looking north on U.S. 278 and the Jack & Helen Payne Memorial Park in far background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 2, 2018

3. Looking north on U.S. 278 and the Jack & Helen Payne Memorial Park in far background.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,047 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.