Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Col. Morgan Magness

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

1. Col. Morgan Magness Marker

Inscription. Col. Magness, 1796-1871, legendary wealthiest man of Independence County before the Civil War, emigrated from Tennessee with his father, Johnathan Magness, a North Carolinian, when Arkansas was a part of Missouri Territory. Col. Magness, a prominent pioneer, built a large brick home on White River south of Magness post office which is named for him. He served in both Territorial and State Legislatures of Arkansas and became owner of nearly 4,000 acres. He is buried in the Magness cemetery.

His great-grandson, Robert Morgan, was the last descendant bearing the surname residing in the county. Robert Morgan married Maxine Hayes and their only son, Robert Morgan Jr., resides in North Little Rock in 1976.

Erected 1976.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.

Location. 35° 45.925′ N, 91° 38.171′ W. Marker is in Batesville, Arkansas, in Independence County. It can be reached from Sidney Street south of Virginia Drive, on the left when traveling south. Marker is in Oaklawn

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Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Batesville AR 72501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Arkansas’ Ozark Plateau.

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 walking distance of this marker: Governor Elisha Baxter (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Engine Donor Ark. Lime Co. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sara Low Memorial Dog Park (approx. half a mile away); Navigation of the White River (approx. half a mile away); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Batesville During the Civil War (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles R. Handford House (approx. ¾ mile away); Original Building, Arkansas College (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

2. Col. Morgan Magness Marker

of all markers in Batesville.

Also see . . .
1. Magness (Independence County). Magness started out around 1882 as a depot for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad (a.k.a. Iron Mountain). A community emerged along the tracks by the depot, and the citizens decided to name it Magness in honor of Colonel Morgan Magness and his son, William Denton Magness, early settlers to the area who were instrumental in securing the right-of-way for the railroad. (Kenneth Rorie, Encyclopedia of Arkansas) (Submitted on April 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Col Morgan Magness. Col. Morgan Magness (deceased) was one of the earliest settlers and most prominent residents of the State of Arkansas. (Find a Grave) (Submitted on April 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.