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Cleveland County
Battle of Mark's Mill
The Battle of Mark's Mill, fought here on April 25, 1864, was a
complete Confederate victory. General James F. Fagan's Confederate
Cavalry having surprised and captured a Union Army of 2,000 men and
240 wagon loads of supplies. General Powell Clayton, the Union
commander, narrowly escaped capture by flight with a handful of his
cavalry.
Antique Marker
1936: for 72 years this historical Battlefield was left unmarked. In
1936, the Arkansas History Commission placed this marker on Hwy. 97
near the current Marks Cemetery sign.
Even though some information was incorrect, the importance of
historical preservation was recognized and appreciated.
1958: The sign was damaged and broken while a house was being moved.
Powell Marks had the marker repaired in Fordyce, Ar. He and his
nephew, Clyde D. Marks placed the sign at a safer location at the
State Hwys. 8 and 97.
1998: The State put up some new exhibit panels and the old antique
marker was removed and carried to Moro Bay State Park. Edgar and Sue
(Marks) Colvin requested the sign be returned so it could find a
permanent home at the Marks Mills Cemetery Park.
Marvin Brown (Pine Bluff, Ar.) volunteered his services and
equipment to transport the 400+ lb. marker back to the Colvins.
After some repairs and plaques added in 1999 the marker was placed
here in January 1999.
Corrected Information
The Battle was a complete Confederate victory. General James Fagan
executed the brilliant maneuver of dividing his force of 4000
Confederate Cavalry and was able to surround and capture the entire
Union supply train of 240 wagons, 4 cannons and 1600 men. Lt.
Colonel Francis Drake, commander of the Union escort was severely
wounded and captured along with 1300 of his command. - James L.
Boney
Made by Edgar Colvin, January 3, 1999
Repaired and placed here on February 6, 1999 by Edgar Colvin,
Prentiss Dickey, James Griffin, Rusty Johnston, Tim Johnson, Willis
Langley, Lyslie Ponder, Perry Reynolds, Stan Sadler, Marvin Bryant,
Mandy Dalton, Arline Dickey, Andy Taylor, David Taylor, Doyle
Taylor, Guy Taylor, and Sue Marks Colvin. |
