In the late 1860s, civil war battles took place in south Arkansas at locations that included Poison Springs, Marks’ Mills and Jenkins’ Ferry. These three battles took place as part of the Red River Campaign.
The history of these battles is now preserved at state parks in Arkansas including Poison Springs Battleground State Park near Bluff City.
“Poison Springs Battleground State Park is a small day-use park in Ouachita County,” said Daniel Shelman, park superintendent at nearby White Oak Lake State Park. “The property has been set aside in remembrance of the Battle of Poison Springs, a Civil War battle. Information regarding the battle is located on outdoor exhibits within the park. A short hiking trail offers visitors a tour of the nearby natural springs that flow across the property.”
The name of the park might cause some to ponder where its namesake originated from. “The water flowing from the springs is not poisoned!,” said Shelman.“Story has it that the Confederates started the rumor that the springs were poisoned so that the Union soldiers could not use the springs as a water resource.”
This state park, along with Marks' Mills Battleground State Park and Jenkins' Ferry Battleground State Park, preserves the history of the Red River Campaign in the state. “Supplies and provisions for the Union Army had become exhausted at this stage of the war,” said Shelman. “The Battle of Poison Springs resulted in a loss of 301 soldiers and a substantial loss of supplies and provisions making it even more difficult for the Union Army.”
A historical marker at the park gives details about the Engagement at Poison Springs.
A visit here can also be linked with a visit to nearby White Oak Lake State Park, where a small exhibit about the Red River Campaign can be seen in their visitor center.
The Arkansas section of the Red River Campaign is referred to as the Camden Expedition. These battle sites are also part of the Camden Expedition Sites National Historic Landmark as well as the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway. If visiting Poison Springs Battleground State Park, Shelman said you can bring a pencil to make a rubbing of the passport stamp for the park. More details about Poision Springs Battleground State Park can be found at arkansasstateparks.com/parks/poison-springs-battleground-state-park.
Zoie Clift
Zoie Clift has been a staff travel writer for Arkansas Tourism since 2006. She covers the Central and Southwest regions of Arkansas. Born in Little Rock and raised in North Little Rock, she now calls Hot Springs home. She has an environmental studies degree from the University of Colorado and a master's degree in journalism from Boston University. She is an avid hiker, mountain biker and kayaker and enjoys exploring the backroads of Arkansas and sharing the wonderful stories of The Natural State with locals and visitors from around the globe.
