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

U.S.C.T. in Helena

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

1. U.S.C.T. in Helena Marker

Inscription. On April 6, 1863, Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas made a speech at Ft. Curtis seeking to enlist former slaves into the U.S. army. The next day, hundreds of black men joined the 1st Arkansas Infantry (African Descent). Later designated U.S. Colored Troops, these soldiers took an active role in winning freedom for Arkansas slaves. The 54th, 57th, and part of the 69th U.S.C.T. were raised from Phillips Co. men. U.S.C.T. were in Helena from April 1863 until war's end. The U.S.C.T. faced hardship and prejudice but fought well and served with distinction.

Erected 2013 by Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Civil War Helena, Helena-West Helena Advertising and Promotion Commission, Preserve America, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. (Marker Number 52.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1863.

Location. 34° 31.551′ N, 90° 35.529′ W. Marker is in Helena, Arkansas, in Phillips County. Marker is on York Street east of Beech Street, on the right when traveling east. Located near the gate to the rebuilt Fort Curtis. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 785 York Street, 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. Life Under Union Occupation (within shouting distance of this marker); Defending Helena (within shouting distance of this marker); Who Built Fort Curtis (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Fort Curtis, 1862-1867 (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); Flags over Fort Curtis (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guns (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle of Helena (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Regarding U.S.C.T. in Helena. Freedom Park, located one mile south of this marker at 700 Biscoe Street (Business US-49), includes five major exhibits that explore the African-American experience in Civil War Helena. The exhibits follow the journey of African-Americans from fugitive slave to freedom; and for some, enlistment in the Union Army and participation in the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863.

U.S.C.T. in Helena Marker near the entrance to the rebuilt Fort Curtis. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017

2. U.S.C.T. in Helena Marker near the entrance to the rebuilt Fort Curtis.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.