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.
Fort Curtis. . 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.
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.
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 760 times since then and 16 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.
