Near Chidester in Ouachita County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Confederate and Federal Forces Engage

— Panel 3 —

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2022

1. Confederate and Federal Forces Engage Marker

Inscription. At about 9:30 a.m. Federal patrols made contact with Confederate scouts near Poison Spring. Colonel Williams parked his wagons two and three abreast, as close together as possible. He ordered the First Kansas to the front forming a line, and placed the cavalry on his flanks. He immediately sent word for Captain Duncan to disperse his troops to protect the rear.

Simultaneously, Colonel Williams saw Maxey's Indians and Texans moving on his right flank and sent orders for Duncan to send help to the front. The courier returned with news that the foe was advancing against Duncan and he could spare no men.

Suddenly, the Confederates opened a devastating barrage of artillery and advanced in front and flank. The left of Marmaduke's line advanced double-quick through fields and thickets, opening fire as they neared the Federal line. Under pressure along his entire line, Williams ordered Duncan to redeploy and cover the retreat of the First Kansas. Williams attempted to make a stand several times but was overwhelmed each time as the Union troops were forced into the woods north of the road.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list.

Location. 33° 38.332′ N, 93° 0.261′ W. Marker is near Chidester, Arkansas, in Ouachita County. It is on Arkansas Route 76 0.2 miles east of County Road 175, on the left when traveling east. Located in Poison Springs Battleground State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 665 Hwy 76, Chidester AR 71726, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Gulf Coastal Plain,

in Caddo Territory,

and in the Quapaw Homeland.

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 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

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2022

2. Confederate and Federal Forces Engage Marker

Marker is singly on the extreme left, under the pavilion.

are within walking distance of this marker: Federal Forage Party Departs Camden April 17, 1864 (here, next to this marker); The First Kansas (here, next to this marker); Forage Party Routed! (here, next to this marker); The Civil War Battle of Poison Spring - April 18, 1864 (here, next to this marker); Order of Battle (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Poison Springs. (a few steps from this marker); Ouachita County Poison Springs Battlefield (within shouting distance of this marker); Engagement at Poison Springs (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chidester.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Poison Springs Battleground State Park. A Part of the Camden Expedition Sites National Historic Landmark. (Submitted on June 30, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Entrance sign to the Poison Springs Battleground State Park. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 25, 2022

3. Entrance sign to the Poison Springs Battleground State Park.

A Part of the Camden Expedition National Historic Landmark.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.