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

General J.F. Fagan's Attack

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

1. General J.F. Fagan's Attack Marker

Inscription. Hawthorn's Regiment advanced from the south, that of Bell from the north, King massed on Hawthorn's right. They charged at daybreak, clambering over fallen timber, and took the first line of rifle pits. Battery C not yet engaged by Price, caught Fagan's Brigade in a deadly enfilading fire. Nevertheless they took three more lines at point of bayonet. By 7 A.M. the command arrived in front of Battery D. McRae came to Fagan's aid but was repulsed. Fagan carried the last line of rifle pits and made a desperate effort to capture the battery. Cut down by Union reinforcements, they held their position until ordered to retreat.
Erected in memory of Gen. Fagan, CSA

Erected 1965 by the Arkansas Civil War Centennial Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 34° 31.165′ N, 90° 35.733′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. Marker is on Military Road, 0.1 miles west of Prairie Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 161 Military Road, 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. Battery D (a few steps from this marker); Sacred Heart Academy (approx. ¼ mile away); The Civil War Brings Hardship

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(approx. ¼ mile away); St. Catherine Academy (approx. ¼ mile away); A Terrific Fire From Graveyard Hill (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Confederates Take Battery C (approx. 0.4 miles away); Battle of Helena (approx. 0.4 miles away); "We are well fortified" (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Regarding General J.F. Fagan's Attack. General Holmes ordered the attack to begin at daybreak, and under these instructions, Fagan launched his attack at first light. Major General Sterling Price, who commanded the units left of Fagan’s brigade, did not begin his attack until dawn, fully an hour later. Fagan’s men took some rifle pits but were unable to capture Battery D, their main objective. More than half of the casualties suffered by Fagan’s division were men who were pinned down by fire from positions that Price was supposed to attack and capture.

General J.F. Fagan's Attack marker with Battery D marker in background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

2. General J.F. Fagan's Attack marker with Battery D marker in background.

View of marker looking southwest on Military Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

3. View of marker looking southwest on Military Road.

CSA Major General James Fleming Fagan image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

4. CSA Major General James Fleming Fagan

Union General Sterling Price image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton

5. Union General Sterling Price

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.