Poison Spring State Park

Overview

In the spring of 1864, three Civil War battles took place in south central Arkansas that were part of the Union Army's "Red River Campaign." Arkansas's three state historic parks that commemorate these battles--Poison Spring, Marks' Mills and Jenkins' Ferry--are part of the Red River Campaign National Historic Landmark.

The first battle occurred near Camden at Poison Spring on April 18 when Confederate troops captured a supply train and scattered Union forces.

Arkansas was split in half with Union troops occupying Little Rock, Fort Smith, and every other town north of the Arkansas River. Confederates were encamped from Monticello to Camden, Washington and beyond.

An elaborate Union offensive was hatched during the winter in Washington D.C. in order to capture Texas, the last Rebel stronghold of the West. Standing in their way was Shreveport, Louisiana, believed to be the front door to Texas. Thus began what would become known as the Red River Campaign.

Poison Spring State Park features outdoor interpretive exhibits explaining the battle at Poison Spring in which hundreds of Union soldiers were killed yet fewer than 20 Confederates lost their lives. Picnic sites are located in the park as well.

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