Jacksonville in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The Defense of the Ford

Bennett Holds the Key to the Confederate Line

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 6, 2022

1. The Defense of the Ford Marker

Inscription. Well to the east of Reed's Bridge, a shallow ford offered the best crossing of Bayou Meto, and the best position from which Union attackers could roll up the Confederate lines and open the road to Little Rock.

As a squadron of the First Iowa Cavalry tested the crossing, a small force of Confederate Missourians under Major George W.C. Bennett opened fire. The Iowans withdrew and the two sides commenced sniping at each other. The key to the Confederate defenses was saved.

“The enemy attacked him with great fury, but he resisted with a vigor superior to the fury of their attack. He informed Marmaduke, however, that he was heavily pressed and he feared he could not hold his ground. Marmaduke replied that he could not spare him no men, and the he must beat back the enemy and make good his position. Bennett replied that he would do it , and did do it.” — John Newman Edwards, C.S.A.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 27, 1863.

Location. 34° 50.609′ N, 92° 7.251′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. Marker can be reached from South First Street (Arkansas Route 161) north of Lakeshore Drive, on the right when traveling north

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. Marker is in the Reed's Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville AR 72076, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Like Sorrow's Veil... (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Little Rock Campaign (about 500 feet away); The Little Rock Campaign (about 500 feet away); Thunder on Bayou Meto (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marmaduke-Walker Duel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brother Against Brother (approx. ¼ mile away); A Gallant Charge (approx. ¼ mile away); Our Batteries Opened a Tremendous Fire (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Also see . . . Battle of Bayou Meto. Wikipedia entry on the battle, also known at the Battle at Reed's Bridge, in which the Union failed to break the Confederate line. (Submitted on November 29, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Additional keywords. The Defense of the Ford

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 6, 2022

2. The Defense of the Ford Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.