First Crop Control

The legislature, in the late winter of 1862, anticipated the Bankhead cotton control act in a way by limiting the acreage that might be planted to the staple, and imposing on it a tax of $30 a bale. That was to stimulate food production. Distilling liquor from either grain or potatoes was forbidden, too.

And, also in 1862, the legislature appropriated $300,000 to be used by the governor for the purpose of creating manufactures of salt, iron, and cotton “cards” – used in home spinning of the staple. The legislature further provided for the relief of impoverished residents of the state, especially the families of volunteers.

All together, the Arkansas lawmakers of that day did a good many things closely in line with some of the governmental activities of the present, which a lot of folks regard as new and startling.

Confident of its powers, its fighting mettle proved, the state chafed for a decisive battle as the war drums of the invaders rolled nearer in the spring of 1862.

The Union forces were led into Arkansas by Gen. Samuel A. Curtis. He entered Fayetteville without much resistance being offered. There, he decided to rest a while, and accumulate supplies. But the Confederates had another idea about that. They proceeded to prod him into the battle of Pea Ridge – the first engagement within the state. It took place March 6 – 8.

Gen. Earl Van Dorn had assumed command of the Confederate forces in the district comprising Arkansas west of the St. Francis river, Missouri, Louisiana, north of the Red river, and the Indian Territory – now Oklahoma. He went into the battle of Pea Ridge with about 15,000 men, including 1,000 Cherokee Indians under Gen. Albert Pike.