Helena in Phillips County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Fort Curtis

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

1. Fort Curtis Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In August 1862 the Union forces occupying Helena erected on this site a redoubt of earth and timbers to serve as the key to the city’s defenses. Fort Curtis, named for the Union general in command at the time of construction, was one of five fortified positions which enabled Union soldiers to repulse a Confederate attack on July 4, 1863, designed to recapture the city and relieve the siege at Vicksburg. On the day of the attack 4,129 Union officers and men, under General Prentiss, were positioned in and around the fort against 7,646 Confederate troops under General Holmes.

Erected 1963 by Arkansas Civil War Centennial Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1820.

Location. 34° 31.742′ N, 90° 35.435′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. Marker is at the intersection of Perry Street and Columbia Street, on the right when traveling east on Perry Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helena AR 72342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Russwurm Memorial (within shouting distance of this

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marker); The Confederates Attack Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Helena (within shouting distance of this marker); William Patterson (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Phillips County's Confederate Soldiers (about 600 feet away); General Patrick Cleburne (about 600 feet away); Patrick Cleburne in Helena (about 600 feet away); The Irish Immigrant (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, January 17, 2012

2. Fort Curtis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.