Jefferson County, Arkansas Court House

Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas

Battle of Pine Bluff

During the morning and early afternoon of October 25, 1863, Colonel Powell Clayton

commander of federal troops occupying Pine Bluff successfully repulsed a three-pronged

confederate attack of forces of General John S. Marmaduke. Cotton bales hastily placed

around the courthouse and surrounding streets provided an effective barricade for union

defenders. Confederate loss: 41 killed, wounded, and captured.

Barraque Street

This street was named for Antoine Barraque (1773-1858), native of France, soldier of

Napoleon, and one of this area's earliest settlers. Founder of New Gascony in this county,

he was a man of property and Indian sub-agent. Trusted and liked by the Quapaw nation, he led

that tribe to their new home pursuant to the Treaty of 824. A distinguished citizen of early

Jefferson County, Antoine Barraque has descendents still living in Pine Bluff.

Photographed July 4, 2005 by Pris Weathers.