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

Chalk Bluff in the Civil War

Skirmish of May 15, 1862

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 14, 2009

1. Chalk Bluff in the Civil War Marker

Inscription. 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.

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 May 15, 1863.

Location. 36° 28.705′ N, 90° 9.799′ W. Marker is near St. Francis, Arkansas, in Clay County. It can be reached from 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Crowley’s Ridge

and in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once 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 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Chalk Bluff in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Chalk Bluff (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); Hemingway Barn-Studio (approx. 6.7 miles away); Pfeiffer-Janes House (approx. 6.8 miles away); First Appointed Officals of Clayton County - Later Clay County, Ar. (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Francis.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 14, 2009

2. Chalk Bluff in the Civil War Marker

Memorial Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain

3. Memorial Plaque

Near the marker is this memorial plaque in memory of Norman E. Muse, who played a leading role in the park.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,148 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.