Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Ready For 147th Anniversary Event
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — What started out two years ago as just another preservation idea has turned out to be the most active Civil War battlefield restoration of its kind the state of Arkansas has ever seen, according to Southern Brigade Commander Ron Kelley of the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Arkansas Division. Starting with a few acres of heavy underbrush where the Confederate trenches were situated during the Aug. 27, 1863, Battle of Reed’s Bridge, the battlefield in Jacksonville is looking more and more as it did nearly 150 years ago. Kelley, who has been involved from the beginning, said, “I have never seen so many groups coming together and working toward a common goal like this.” The restoration project involves seven of the 110 acres the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Society owns. The total acreage is made up of tracts no larger than 15 acres scattered across the original battlefield. Kelley describes it as a patchwork quilt “being reclaimed a little at a time.” As originally envisioned by Arkansas living historian Steve Shore, a small 19th century village is nearing completion in time for the 147th battle anniversary on Sept. 11. Members from the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, the Civil War Round Table of Arkansas, Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trails, living historians, the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History and the City of Jacksonville spent their summer preparing for the event. The battlefield’s restoration was first reported in the April 2009 Civil War News during the initial phase of clearing undergrowth and trees. Since then, a smokehouse and barn have been built on the property. A kitchen and homestead are under construction. The site also features two full-scale 1841 replica cannons and a new information stand, a walking trail and a small-scale version of the original Reed’s Bridge that Confederates set on fire. Kelley noted there are many benefits in restoring historical sites other than clearing land and reconstructing history for the sake of education and heritage. “We have converted this property from a haven for prostitutes, drug dealers and homeless transients to a beautiful battlefield park perfect for a family picnic,” he said. “Everyone benefits from a community project like this.” The battle took place after Federal victories at Vicksburg and Helena, Ark., when U.S. forces began their march west toward Little Rock. A 6,000-man cavalry division under Gen. John W. Davidson intended to cross Bayou Metoe, in what is now Jacksonville. They clashed with 4,000 men under Confederate Gen. John S. Marmaduke as they neared Reed’s Bridge. The bridge was burned and Marmaduke defended the crossing under heavy artillery and musket fire throughout the day. After several failed attempts at crossing the bayou, the Federals withdrew from the field at sunset. It was this Union force that took Little Rock without much of a fight on Sept. 11. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Park is open free year-round. The battlefield is on state Highway 161 south of Jacksonville, some 10 miles north of Little Rock.
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