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{{Infobox military unit
{{Hide in print|1=
|unit_name=8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment
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{{infobox military unit
|unit_name=8th Arkansas Infantry (Confederate)
| image=8th Arkansas, 1st National Flag Pattern.jpg
| image_size = 300
|image=[[File:8th Arkansas, 1st National Flag Pattern.jpg|300px]]
|caption=Flag of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment
|caption=[[Military colours, standards and guidons|National colors]] of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment
|dates=July 13, 1861 – April 26, 1865
|dates=1861 – 1865
|country={{flag|Confederate States of America}}
|country={{flag|Confederate States}}
|allegiance={{Nowrap|<!-- EDITORS NOTE: Please do not add the Arkansas flag adopted by the state government in 1913 (48 years after the regiment disbanded) as it would be historically inaccurate. Thank you. --> [[Arkansas]]}}
|allegiance={{flag|Arkansas}}
|branch={{army|CSA}}
|branch={{army|CSA}}
|type=
|type=
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**[[Battle of New Hope Church]]
**[[Battle of New Hope Church]]
**[[Battle of Kennesaw Mountain]]
**[[Battle of Kennesaw Mountain]]
**[[Battle of Pickett's Mill]]<ref name="gastateparks.org">Cleburne's Pickett's Mill Battle Report, O.R.– SERIES 1–VOLUME XXXVIII/3, May I-September 8, 1864. – THE ATLANTA (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN, No. 608.–Report of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 7–27, republished at Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Accessed 15 February 2012, {{cite web|url=http://www.gastateparks.org/item/121726?ran%3D612032762 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-02-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65Y1s7SNP?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gastateparks.org%2Fitem%2F121726%3Fran%3D612032762 |archivedate=2012-02-18 |df= }}</ref>
**[[Battle of Pickett's Mill]]<ref name="gastateparks.org">Cleburne's Pickett's Mill Battle Report, O.R.– SERIES 1–VOLUME XXXVIII/3, May I-September 8, 1864. – THE ATLANTA (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN, No. 608.–Report of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 7–27, republished at Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Accessed 15 February 2012, {{cite web |url=http://www.gastateparks.org/item/121726?ran%3D612032762 |title=Georgia State Parks - Cleburne's Pickett's Mill Battle Report |access-date=2012-02-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191122/http://gastateparks.org/item/121726?ran=612032762 |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref>
**[[Battle of Peachtree Creek]]
**[[Battle of Peachtree Creek]]
**[[Battle of Atlanta]]
**[[Battle of Atlanta]]
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}}
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{{Military unit sidebar
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{{Infobox Arkansas Confederate Infantry Regiments|previous=[[7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]|next=[[9th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]}}}}The '''8th Arkansas Infantry''' (July 13, 1861 – April 26, 1865) was a [[Confederate Army]] [[infantry]] [[regiment]] during the [[American Civil War]] from the state of [[Arkansas]]. It served throughout the war in the western theater, seeing action in the Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia campaigns. Following its depletion in numbers the regiment was consolidated several times with other Arkansas regiments, finally merging in 1865 into the [[1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment]].
| title = Arkansas Confederate Infantry Regiments
| previous =[[7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]
| next =[[9th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]
}}
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'''8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment''' (also known as the '''"Eighth Arkansas'''") was an [[infantry]] formation in the [[Confederate States Army]] during the [[American Civil War]]. It served throughout the war in the western theater, seeing action in the Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia campaigns. Following its depletion in numbers the regiment was consolidated several times with other Arkansas regiments, finally merging in 1865 into the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment.


== Organization ==
== Organization ==
The unit was enrolled in state service on July 13, 1861 at Camp Price<ref name="couchgenweb"/> near [[Jacksonport, Arkansas]].<ref name="perseus.tufts.edu">Col. John M. Harrell, "Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States", Military History: Volume 10.2, Arkansas Clement Anselm Evans, Ed., Page 303, Accessed 21 July 2011, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2001.05.0254%3Achapter%3D11%3Apage%3D303</ref> The unit was inducted into Confederate Service on September 10, 1861.<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50"/> The unit was originally composed of units from the following counties:<ref>Howerton, Bryan, "Re: 8th Arkansas, before consolidation", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 22 November 2011, Accessed 23 November 2011, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=25097</ref>
The unit was enrolled in state service on July 13, 1861, at Camp Price<ref name="couchgenweb"/> near [[Jacksonport, Arkansas]].<ref name="perseus.tufts.edu">Col. John M. Harrell, "Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States", Military History: Volume 10.2, Arkansas Clement Anselm Evans, Ed., Page 303, Accessed 21 July 2011, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2001.05.0254%3Achapter%3D11%3Apage%3D303</ref> The unit was inducted into Confederate Service on September 10, 1861.<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50"/> The unit was originally composed of units from the following counties:<ref>Howerton, Bryan, "Re: 8th Arkansas, before consolidation", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 22 November 2011, Accessed 23 November 2011, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=25097</ref>


** Company A, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain Robert Anthony.
** Company A, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain Robert Anthony.
** Company B, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain James H. Wilson.
** Company B, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain James H. Wilson.
** Company C, of Independence County, commanded by Captain George W. McCauley.
** Company C, of Independence County, commanded by Captain George W. McCauley.
** Company D, of Independence County, commanded by Captain Thomas J. Morgan. This unit was originally organized on June 8, 1861 as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.<ref name="Arkansas Military Department Records 1862, Page 129">Arkansas Military Department Records, List of Commissioned Officers of the Militia 1827–1862, Arkansas History Commission, Microfilm Roll 00000038-8, Page 129</ref>
** Company D, of Independence County, commanded by Captain Thomas J. Morgan. This unit was originally organized on June 8, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.<ref name="Arkansas Military Department Records 1862, Page 129">Arkansas Military Department Records, List of Commissioned Officers of the Militia 1827–1862, Arkansas History Commission, Microfilm Roll 00000038-8, Page 129</ref>
** Company E, the "Independence Guards", of Independence County, commanded by Captain Justus F. Tracy. This unit was originally organized on February 15, 1861 as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.<ref name="Arkansas Military Department Records 1862, Page 129"/>
** Company E, the "Independence Guards", of Independence County, commanded by Captain Justus F. Tracy. This unit was originally organized on February 15, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.<ref name="Arkansas Military Department Records 1862, Page 129"/>
** Company F, the "West Point Rifles", of White County, commanded by Captain A. T. Jones. This unit, also "West Point Rangers" was originally organized on May 29, 1861 as a volunteer militia company in the 65th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia under the command of Captain Joseph F. Hathaway.<ref>Arkansas Military Department Records, List of Commissioned Officers of the Militia 1827–1862, Arkansas History Commission, Microfilm Roll 00000038-8, Page 575</ref>
** Company F, the "West Point Rifles", of White County, commanded by Captain A. T. Jones. This unit, also "West Point Rangers" was originally organized on May 29, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 65th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia under the command of Captain Joseph F. Hathaway.<ref>Arkansas Military Department Records, List of Commissioned Officers of the Militia 1827–1862, Arkansas History Commission, Microfilm Roll 00000038-8, Page 575</ref>
** Company G, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain William H. Gray.
** Company G, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain William H. Gray.
** Company H, of Independence County (that portion now encompassed by Cleburne County), commanded by Captain Enoch N. Floyd.
** Company H, of Independence County (that portion now encompassed by Cleburne County), commanded by Captain Enoch N. Floyd.
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** Quartermaster Elbert L. Watson.
** Quartermaster Elbert L. Watson.


The regiment was armed with weapons which the state confiscated when the [[Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal|Federal Arsenal at Little Rock]] was seized by [[Arkansas Militia in the Civil War|Arkanssas State Militia]] troops in February 1861. Disposition of the weapons found in the Arsenal is somewhat sketchy, but from various records it can be surmised that the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiments, mustered in June, 1861, were issued M1816/M1822 .69 caliber flintlocks. They retained these weapons until April, 1862 when they were able to exchange them for better weapons scavenged from the battlefield at Shiloh.<ref>Ezell, Tom, "Re: Van Dorn- Army of the Southwest", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 17 December 2001, Accessed 11 June 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=545</ref>
The regiment was armed with weapons which the state confiscated when the [[Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal|Federal Arsenal at Little Rock]] was seized by [[Arkansas Militia in the Civil War|Arkansas State Militia]] troops in February 1861. Disposition of the weapons found in the Arsenal is somewhat sketchy, but from various records it can be surmised that the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiments, mustered in June, 1861, were issued M1816/M1822 .69 caliber flintlocks. They retained these weapons until April, 1862 when they were able to exchange them for better weapons scavenged from the battlefield at Shiloh.<ref>Ezell, Tom, "Re: Van Dorn- Army of the Southwest", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 17 December 2001, Accessed 11 June 2012, [https://archive.today/20121216073915/http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=545]</ref>


== Battles ==
== Battles ==
The 8th Arkansas saw no action in the coming months, only taking part in a small raid into [[Missouri]] with General Hardee's Command. By October 1861, the regiment, along with the rest of General Hardee's division had been sent to [[Columbus, Kentucky]] to become the [[Army of Central Kentucky]].<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 7., Book, 1882; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154610/m1/858/?q=Army of Mississippi : accessed June 27, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref> After the losses of [[Battle of Fort Henry|Fort Henry]] and [[Fort Donelson]] in February 1862, Confederate General [[Albert Sidney Johnston]] withdrew his forces into western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and Alabama to reorganize. and then retreated through western Tennessee to northern Mississippi. On March 29, 1862, the Army of Central Kentucky was merged into the [[Army of Mississippi]] in preparation for the [[Battle of Shiloh]].<ref>Boatner, Mark Mayo, III. The Civil War Dictionary. New York: McKay, 1959; revised 1988. {{ISBN|0-8129-1726-X}}, Page 445.</ref>
The 8th Arkansas saw no action in the coming months, only taking part in a small raid into [[Missouri]] with General Hardee's Command. By October 1861, the regiment, along with the rest of General Hardee's division had been sent to [[Columbus, Kentucky]], to become the [[Army of Central Kentucky]].<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 7., Book, 1882; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154610/m1/858/?q=Army of Mississippi : accessed June 27, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref> After the losses of [[Battle of Fort Henry|Fort Henry]] and [[Fort Donelson]] in February 1862, Confederate General [[Albert Sidney Johnston]] withdrew his forces into western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and Alabama to reorganize. and then retreated through western Tennessee to northern Mississippi. On March 29, 1862, the Army of Central Kentucky was merged into the [[Army of Mississippi]] in preparation for the [[Battle of Shiloh]].<ref>Boatner, Mark Mayo, III. The Civil War Dictionary. New York: McKay, 1959; revised 1988. {{ISBN|0-8129-1726-X}}, Page 445.</ref>


The 8th Arkansas was assigned to Brigadier General [[Sterling A. M. Wood]]'s brigade of Major General [[William J. Hardee]]'s Corps of the Army of Mississippi. When Brigadier General Woods was wounded during the battle, Colonel Patters assumed command of the brigade. The regiment suffered heavy casualties on both days of the battle. Lieutenant Thomas Bateman was killed, and Lieutenants Perryman, Cates, Harris and Richardson were wounded. On April 26, 1862, the entire regiment totaled 272 men.<ref name="perseus.tufts.edu"/> In his after action report regarding the Battle of Shiloh, Colonel Patterson commented:<ref name="history-sites.com">No. 217. -- Report of Col. W. K. Patterson, Eighth Arkansas Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT ARKANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Near Corinth, Miss., April 9, 1862. Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 15 March 2006, Accessed 7 January 2012, http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/archive_index.cgi?noframes;read=12053</ref>
The 8th Arkansas was assigned to Brigadier General [[Sterling A. M. Wood]]'s brigade of Major General [[William J. Hardee]]'s Corps of the Army of Mississippi. When Brigadier General Woods was wounded during the battle, Colonel Patterson assumed command of the brigade. The regiment suffered heavy casualties on both days of the battle. Lieutenant Thomas Bateman was killed, and Lieutenants Perryman, Cates, Harris and Richardson were wounded. On April 26, 1862, the entire regiment totaled 272 men.<ref name="perseus.tufts.edu"/> In his after action report regarding the Battle of Shiloh, Colonel Patterson commented:<ref name="history-sites.com">No. 217. -- Report of Col. W. K. Patterson, Eighth Arkansas Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT ARKANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Near Corinth, Miss., April 9, 1862. Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 15 March 2006, Accessed 7 January 2012, http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/archive_index.cgi?noframes;read=12053 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308050726/http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/archive_index.cgi?noframes |date=2005-03-08 }}</ref>


{{quotation|During the entire engagement the men and officers generally exhibited cool, determined gallantry, often exposing themselves to serious fire in squads by irregularity caused by an earnest desire to advance, and it is a melancholy fact that we lost more men in proportion to the wounds, in those places where irregular firing in the rear occurred than in engagements where we were exposed alone to the guns of the enemy. The enemy often wounded but rarely killed us.<ref name="history-sites.com"/>}}
{{Blockquote|During the entire engagement the men and officers generally exhibited cool, determined gallantry, often exposing themselves to serious fire in squads by irregularity caused by an earnest desire to advance, and it is a melancholy fact that we lost more men in proportion to the wounds, in those places where irregular firing in the rear occurred than in engagements where we were exposed alone to the guns of the enemy. The enemy often wounded but rarely killed us.<ref name="history-sites.com"/>}}


In May 1862 the Confederate Army underwent an army-wide reorganization due to the passage of the Conscription Act by the Confederate Congress in April 1862. All twelve-month regiments had to re-muster and enlist for two years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home. Officers who did not choose to stand for re-election were also offered a discharge. The reorganization was accomplished among all the Arkansas regiments in and around Corinth, Mississippi, following the Battle of Shiloh.<ref name="history-sites"/>
In May 1862 the Confederate Army underwent an army-wide reorganization due to the passage of the Conscription Act by the Confederate Congress in April 1862. All twelve-month regiments had to re-muster and enlist for two years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home. Officers who did not choose to stand for re-election were also offered a discharge. The reorganization was accomplished among all the Arkansas regiments in and around Corinth, Mississippi, following the Battle of Shiloh.<ref name="history-sites"/>
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By the time of the [[Chickamauga Campaign]] in September 1863, Colonel [[Daniel C. Govan]] had assumed command of Liddell's Brigade.<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 30, In Four Parts. Part 1, Reports., Book, 1890; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152978/m1/242/?q=Govan : accessed June 29, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref> The 8th Arkansas would continue to serve in Govan's Brigade until the end of the war. Its casualties were 14 killed, 92 wounded, and 65 missing at Chickamauga.<ref name="nps"/>
By the time of the [[Chickamauga Campaign]] in September 1863, Colonel [[Daniel C. Govan]] had assumed command of Liddell's Brigade.<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 30, In Four Parts. Part 1, Reports., Book, 1890; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152978/m1/242/?q=Govan : accessed June 29, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref> The 8th Arkansas would continue to serve in Govan's Brigade until the end of the war. Its casualties were 14 killed, 92 wounded, and 65 missing at Chickamauga.<ref name="nps"/>


Due to the casualties suffered at Chickamauga, the regiment was consolidated with the [[19th Arkansas Infantry Regiment (Dawson's)|19th Arkansas]] for the [[Chattanooga Campaign]] The regiment was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap under Lieutenant Colonel [[Alexander T. Hawthorn]] of the 19th Arkansas. The 8th/19th Arkansas lost 16 men at Ringgold Gap, totaled 363 men and 265 arms in December, 1863.<ref name="nps"/>
Due to the casualties suffered at Chickamauga, the regiment was consolidated with the [[19th Arkansas Infantry Regiment (Dawson's)|19th Arkansas]] for the [[Chattanooga Campaign]] The regiment was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap under Lieutenant Colonel Augustus S. Hutchison of the 19th Arkansas. The 8th/19th Arkansas lost 16 men at Ringgold Gap, totaled 363 men and 265 arms in December, 1863.<ref name="nps"/>


When General [[Joseph E. Johnston]] assumed command of the [[Army of Tennessee]] to oppose General Sherman's [[Atlanta Campaign]], Govan's Brigade was reorganized but the 8th and 19th regmained consolidated. The 8th/19th Arkansas participated in the battles of
When General [[Joseph E. Johnston]] assumed command of the [[Army of Tennessee]] to oppose General Sherman's [[Atlanta Campaign]], Govan's Brigade was reorganized but the 8th and 19th regmained consolidated. The 8th/19th Arkansas participated in the battles of
Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church and Atlanta or Decatur Road. Its casualties were 97 disabled at the Battle of Atlanta.<ref name="nps"/> The regiment and it colors were captured, along with much of Govan's Brigade at the [[Battle of Jonesboro]], Georgia on Sept. 1, 1864.<ref name="Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories"/> Due to a special cartel between Union General [[William Tecumseh Sherman|Sherman]] and Confederate General [[John B. Hood]], the unit was quickly paroled and exchanged for Union prisoner held at [[Andersonville National Historic Site|Andersonville Prison]]. The regiment re-entered service approximately a month later.<ref name="General Sherman Burning Atlanta"/>
Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church and Atlanta It sustained 32 killed (including Lt. Colonel Anderson Watkins), 33 wounded (including Colonel Baucum and Lt. Colonel Hutchison), and 32 missing at Atlanta, and fielded 181 effectives on July 23.<ref>O.R. Series I Volume XXXVIII Part 1 pages 737, accessed via https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077722993&view=1up&seq=742&skin=2021&q1=Govan</ref><ref name="nps"/> The regiment and it colors were captured, along with much of Govan's Brigade at the [[Battle of Jonesboro]], Georgia, on Sept. 1, 1864.<ref name="Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories"/> Due to a special cartel between Union General [[William Tecumseh Sherman|Sherman]] and Confederate General [[John B. Hood]], the unit was quickly paroled and exchanged for Union prisoner held at [[Andersonville National Historic Site|Andersonville Prison]]. The regiment re-entered service approximately a month later.<ref name="General Sherman Burning Atlanta"/>


The 8th/19 Arkansas and the rest of Govan's Brigade were released and exchanged just in time to participated in General [[John B. Hood]]'s disastrous [[Franklin-Nashville Campaign]]. The 8th/19th was under the command of Major D.H. Hamiter at the Battle of Franklin.<ref>Wernick, John. "Re: 5th Arkansas Infantry", The Civil War Flags Message Board, Posted 10 January 2008, Accessed 15 February 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/cwflags/webbbs_config.pl?read=5234</ref> Govan's entire brigade numbered just 550 rifles and sustained 66% casualties during the Battle of Franklin.<ref>Ezell, Tom, "Re: Govan’s Brigade at Franklin", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 27 August 2004, Accessed 26 June 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=8287</ref>
The 8th/19 Arkansas and the rest of Govan's Brigade were released and exchanged just in time to participate in General [[John B. Hood]]'s disastrous [[Franklin-Nashville Campaign]]. The 8th/19th was under the command of Major D.H. Hamiter at the Battle of Franklin.<ref>Wernick, John. "Re: 5th Arkansas Infantry", The Civil War Flags Message Board, Posted 10 January 2008, Accessed 15 February 2012, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/cwflags/webbbs_config.pl?read=5234</ref> Govan's entire brigade numbered just 550 rifles and sustained 66% casualties during the Battle of Franklin.<ref>Ezell, Tom, "Re: Govan’s Brigade at Franklin", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 27 August 2004, Accessed 26 June 2012, [https://archive.today/20121209102941/http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/arch_config.pl?read=8287]</ref>


The remnants of Govan's Brigade that survived the Tennessee Campaign remained with the Army of Tennessee through its final engagements in the 1865 [[Carolinas Campaign]].<ref>Sikakis, Stewart, Compendium of the Confederate Armies, Florida and Arkansas, Facts on File, Inc., 1992, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-2288-5}}, page 71</ref> The 8th Arkansas would be credited with participation in the following battles:
The remnants of Govan's Brigade that survived the Tennessee Campaign remained with the Army of Tennessee through its final engagements in the 1865 [[Carolinas Campaign]].<ref>Sikakis, Stewart, Compendium of the Confederate Armies, Florida and Arkansas, Facts on File, Inc., 1992, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-2288-5}}, page 71</ref> The 8th Arkansas would be credited with participation in the following battles:
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* [[Siege of Corinth]], April to June 1862.
* [[Siege of Corinth]], April to June 1862.
* [[Battle of Perryville]], Kentucky, October 8, 1862.
* [[Battle of Perryville]], Kentucky, October 8, 1862.
* [[Battle of Murfreesboro]], Tennessee, December 31, 1862 to January 3, 1863.<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 20, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports., Book, 1887; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154629 : accessed February 06, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref>
* [[Battle of Murfreesboro]], Tennessee, December 31, 1862, to January 3, 1863.<ref>United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 20, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports., Book, 1887; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154629 : accessed February 06, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.</ref>
* [[Tullahoma Campaign]], June 1863.
* [[Tullahoma Campaign]], June 1863.
** [[Battle of Liberty Gap]], Tennessee, June 24–26, 1863.
** [[Battle of Liberty Gap]], Tennessee, June 24–26, 1863.
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*[[Chattanooga Campaign]], September to November 1863.
*[[Chattanooga Campaign]], September to November 1863.
**[[Battle of Missionary Ridge]], Tennessee, November 25, 1863.
**[[Battle of Missionary Ridge]], Tennessee, November 25, 1863.
**[[Battle of Ringgold Gap]], Georgia, November 27, 1863.<ref>The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 31 (Part II), page 755, Accessed 26 June 2012. http://ebooks.library.cornell.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=moawar;cc=moawar;q1=Govan;rgn=full%20text;idno=waro0055;didno=waro0055;node=waro0055%3A5;view=image;seq=757;page=root;size=100</ref>
**[[Battle of Ringgold Gap]], Georgia, November 27, 1863.<ref>The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 31 (Part II), page 755, Accessed 26 June 2012. http://ebooks.library.cornell.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=moawar;cc=moawar;q1=Govan;rgn=full%20text;idno=waro0055;didno=waro0055;node=waro0055%3A5;view=image;seq=757;page=root;size=100{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[Atlanta Campaign]], May to September 1864.
* [[Atlanta Campaign]], May to September 1864.
** [[Battle of Rocky Face Ridge]], Georgia, May 5–11, 1864.
** [[Battle of Rocky Face Ridge]], Georgia, May 5–11, 1864.
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** [[Battle of Bentonville]], North Carolina, March 19–21, 1865.
** [[Battle of Bentonville]], North Carolina, March 19–21, 1865.


== Battle flags ==
== Regimental colors ==
There are four surviving examples of the battle flags of the 8th Arkansas Infantry:<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50">Dedmondt, Glenn, The Flags of Civil War Arkansas, Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, 2009, Page 50.</ref>
There are four surviving examples of the battle flags of the 8th Arkansas Infantry:<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50">Dedmondt, Glenn, The Flags of Civil War Arkansas, Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, 2009, Page 50.</ref>


[[File:8th Arkansas, 1st National Flag Pattern.jpg|thumb|left]] A circle of ten stars appears in this flag, elaborated by an "A" superimposed over the central and eleventh star. Presumably, the star outside the circle represents Missouri, admitted in August, 1861 by the Provisional Congress. The flag was presented to the unit raised in Jacksonport by William Patterson in the summer of 1861. Ladies of the town distinguished the flag with gold embroidered chain stitch, "March on! March on! All hearts resolved on victory or death". This flag was most likely retired when flags in the Hardee pattern were issued to the Army of Central Kentucky in early 1862. First Confederate National Flag pattern variation. Cotton, red wool, red silk fringe and gold embroidery, 21" x 39". Currently held at Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.<ref>Old State House Museum, Collections, Battle Flags, Accessed 4 May 2012, http://www.oldstatehouse.com/collections/flags/flagDetail.asp?g=1&img=5</ref>
[[File:8th Arkansas, 1st National Flag Pattern.jpg|thumb|left]] A circle of ten stars appears in this flag, elaborated by an "A" superimposed over the central and eleventh star. Presumably, the star outside the circle represents Missouri, admitted in August, 1861 by the Provisional Congress. The flag was presented to the unit raised in Jacksonport by William Patterson in the summer of 1861. Ladies of the town distinguished the flag with gold embroidered chain stitch, "March on! March on! All hearts resolved on victory or death". This flag was most likely retired when flags in the Hardee pattern were issued to the Army of Central Kentucky in early 1862. First Confederate National Flag pattern variation. Cotton, red wool, red silk fringe and gold embroidery, 21" x 39". Currently held at Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.<ref>Old State House Museum, Collections, Battle Flags, Accessed 4 May 2012, http://www.oldstatehouse.com/collections/flags/flagDetail.asp?g=1&img=5 {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120906022312/http://www.oldstatehouse.com/collections/flags/flagDetail.asp?g=1&img=5 |date=2012-09-06 }}</ref>


[[File:8th Arkansas, Hardee Pattern, with Cannons.png|thumb|right]] A Hardee Pattern Flag of the 8th Arkansas prior to Consolidation with the 19th Arkansas. This flag is extremely large, measuring 56 and 1/2 by 59&nbsp;inches. The flag bears an inverted pair of crossed cannons, which is an honor for having captured a battery of field artillery. The words, "CLEBURNE'S DIV" and "GOVAN's BRIGADE" surround the cannons. This flag is currently located at the Battle Abbey, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia.<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50"/>
[[File:8th Arkansas, Hardee Pattern, with Cannons.png|thumb|right]] A Hardee Pattern Flag of the 8th Arkansas prior to Consolidation with the 19th Arkansas. This flag is extremely large, measuring 56 and 1/2 by 59&nbsp;inches. The flag bears an inverted pair of crossed cannons, which is an honor for having captured a battery of field artillery. The words, "CLEBURNE'S DIV" and "GOVAN's BRIGADE" surround the cannons. This flag is currently located at the Battle Abbey, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia.<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50"/>
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[[File:8th Arkansas, Hardee Pattern Flag.jpg|thumb|left]]The flag of the 8th flag is an example of Hardee flags. This flag, probably issued in the summer of 1863, bore the battle honors "SHILOH", "PERRYVILLE", and "MURFREESBORO". Brigadier General John H. Kelly took this flag home and it remained in his family for many years. The flag is currently located at the Texas Civil War Museum, Fort Worth, TX.<ref>Texas Civil War Museum, Accessed 4 May 2012, http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--60ygF1V0bw/Thc_QKVv9yI/AAAAAAAAB-c/vkedUQYd3Vg/s1600/IMG_1924+%28640x632%29.jpg</ref>
[[File:8th Arkansas, Hardee Pattern Flag.jpg|thumb|left]]The flag of the 8th flag is an example of Hardee flags. This flag, probably issued in the summer of 1863, bore the battle honors "SHILOH", "PERRYVILLE", and "MURFREESBORO". Brigadier General John H. Kelly took this flag home and it remained in his family for many years. The flag is currently located at the Texas Civil War Museum, Fort Worth, TX.<ref>Texas Civil War Museum, Accessed 4 May 2012, http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--60ygF1V0bw/Thc_QKVv9yI/AAAAAAAAB-c/vkedUQYd3Vg/s1600/IMG_1924+%28640x632%29.jpg</ref>


[[File:8th and 19th Combined Arkansas Infantry Regiment.jpg|thumb|right]]The Flag of the 8th and 19th Consolidated Arkansas Infantry Regiments. This flag is an example of the 1864 issue of Hardee flags. This was produced and decorated specifically for the combined unit, displaying battle honors of each. The poorly dyed blue field, now faded to pea green, is typical of the 1864 flags. When it was captured at Jonesboro, Georgia, on 1 September 1864, the flag was identified as that of an artillery battery. The honor of crossed cannon, as well as the unit's position supporting Key's Battery, caused the confused attribution. Hardee Battle flag pattern, Cleburne's Division 1864 issue. Cotton with black and white paint, 35" x 34 1/2" remaining. War Department Capture Number 206. Currently located at the Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.<ref>Old State House Museum, Collections, Battle Flags, Accessed 4 May 2012, http://www.oldstatehouse.com/collections/flags/flagDetail.asp?g=3&img=4</ref>
[[File:8th and 19th Combined Arkansas Infantry Regiment.jpg|thumb|right]]The Flag of the 8th and 19th Consolidated Arkansas Infantry Regiments. This flag is an example of the 1864 issue of Hardee flags. This was produced and decorated specifically for the combined unit, displaying battle honors of each. The poorly dyed blue field, now faded to pea green, is typical of the 1864 flags. When it was captured at Jonesboro, Georgia, on 1 September 1864, the flag was identified as that of an artillery battery. The honor of crossed cannon, as well as the unit's position supporting Key's Battery, caused the confused attribution. Hardee Battle flag pattern, Cleburne's Division 1864 issue. Cotton with black and white paint, 35" x {{frac|34|1|2}}" remaining. War Department Capture Number 206. Currently located at the Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120909022307/http://www.oldstatehouse.com/collections/flags/flagDetail.asp?g=3&img=4 Old State House Museum, Collections, Battle Flags, Accessed 4 May 2012]</ref>


== Consolidation and surrender ==
== Consolidation and surrender ==
The remnants of ten depleted Arkansas regiments, along with one mostly-Arkansas regiment, in the Army of Tennessee were consolidated into a single regiment at Smithfield, North Carolina, on April 9, 1865.<ref name="Gerdes"/><ref name="Howerton"/>
The remnants of ten depleted Arkansas regiments, along with one mostly-Arkansas regiment, in the Army of Tennessee were consolidated into a single regiment at Smithfield, North Carolina, on April 9, 1865.<ref name="Gerdes"/><ref name="Howerton"/>


The 1st Arkansas, was lumped together with the [[2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment|2nd]], [[5th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|5th]], [[6th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|6th]], [[7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|7th]], [[8th Arkansas Infantry|8th]], [[15th (Josey's) Arkansas Infantry|15th]], [[19th (Dawson's) Arkansas Infantry|19th]] and [[24th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]s and the [[3rd Confederate Infantry Regiment]] as the [[1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry]] on April 9, 1865.<ref name="confederate"/> On April 26, 1865 the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment was present with the Army of Tennessee when it surrendered in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].<ref name="couchgenweb1"/>
The 1st Arkansas, was lumped together with the [[2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment|2nd]], [[5th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|5th]], [[6th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|6th]], [[7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment|7th]], [[8th Arkansas Infantry|8th]], [[15th (Josey's) Arkansas Infantry|15th]], [[19th (Dawson's) Arkansas Infantry|19th]] and [[24th Arkansas Infantry Regiment]]s and the [[3rd Confederate Infantry Regiment]] as the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry on April 9, 1865.<ref name="confederate"/> On April 26, 1865, the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment was present with the Army of Tennessee when it surrendered in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].<ref name="couchgenweb1"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{portal|American Civil War}}
{{Portal|American Civil War}}
* [[List of Arkansas Civil War Confederate units]]
* [[List of Arkansas Civil War Confederate units]]
* [[Lists of American Civil War Regiments by State]]
* [[Lists of American Civil War Regiments by State]]
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=


<ref name="Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories">{{cite web|url=http://asms.k12.ar.us/armem/welch/ar_infy.htm |title=Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories |publisher=Internet Archive Wayback Machine |accessdate=May 24, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212052703/http://asms.k12.ar.us/armem/welch/ar_infy.htm |archivedate=December 12, 2007 }}</ref>
<ref name="Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories">{{cite web|url=http://asms.k12.ar.us/armem/welch/ar_infy.htm |title=Arkansas Confederate Regimental Histories |publisher=Internet Archive Wayback Machine |access-date=May 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212052703/http://asms.k12.ar.us/armem/welch/ar_infy.htm |archive-date=December 12, 2007 }}</ref>


<ref name="General Sherman Burning Atlanta">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonofthesouth.net/union-generals/sherman/memoirs/general-sherman-burning-atlanta.htm|title=General Sherman Burning Atlanta|publisher=Son of the South|accessdate=May 24, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="General Sherman Burning Atlanta">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonofthesouth.net/union-generals/sherman/memoirs/general-sherman-burning-atlanta.htm|title=General Sherman Burning Atlanta|publisher=Son of the South|access-date=May 24, 2012}}</ref>


<ref name="confederate">Sikakis, Stewart, Compendium of the Confederate Armies, Florida and Arkansas, Facts on File, Inc., 1992, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-2288-5}}, page 93.</ref>
<ref name="confederate">Sikakis, Stewart, Compendium of the Confederate Armies, Florida and Arkansas, Facts on File, Inc., 1992, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-2288-5}}, page 93.</ref>
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<ref name="couchgenweb1">[http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/1starinf.htm 1st Arkansas Infantry Regiment, CSA] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908210755/http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/1starinf.htm |date=September 8, 2009 }}</ref>
<ref name="couchgenweb1">[http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/1starinf.htm 1st Arkansas Infantry Regiment, CSA] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908210755/http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/1starinf.htm |date=September 8, 2009 }}</ref>


<ref name="nps">Civil War Soldiers and Sailor System, CONFEDERATE ARKANSAS TROOPS, 8th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry, accessed 13 January 2011, http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.cfm</ref>
<ref name="nps">Civil War Soldiers and Sailor System, CONFEDERATE ARKANSAS TROOPS, 8th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry, accessed 13 January 2011, {{cite web|url=http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.cfm |title=Gen. Joe Wheeler was entangled in recount |access-date=2011-01-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20010714153909/http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/001210/wheeler.shtml |archive-date=2001-07-14 }}</ref>


<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50">Dedmondt, Glenn, The Flags of Civil War Arkansas, Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, 2009, Page 50.</ref>
<ref name="Dedmondt, Glenn 2009, Page 50">Dedmondt, Glenn, The Flags of Civil War Arkansas, Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, 2009, Page 50.</ref>
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<ref name="Howerton">Howerton, Bryan "1st Arkansas Consolidated", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 4 January 2009, Accessed 2 October 2011, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=19339</ref>
<ref name="Howerton">Howerton, Bryan "1st Arkansas Consolidated", Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board, Posted 4 January 2009, Accessed 2 October 2011, http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?noframes;read=19339</ref>


<ref name="Gerdes">Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, THE HISTORY OF THE 2D ARKANSAS INFANTRY REGIMENT CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Accessed 3 January 2010. {{cite web|url=http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/2dinf__hist.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-03-22 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729123400/http://www.couchgenweb.com:80/civilwar/2dinf__hist.html |archivedate=2009-07-29 |df= }}</ref>
<ref name="Gerdes">Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, THE HISTORY OF THE 2D ARKANSAS INFANTRY REGIMENT CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Accessed 3 January 2010. {{cite web|url=http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/2dinf__hist.html |title=2dinf__hist |access-date=2011-03-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729123400/http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/2dinf__hist.html |archive-date=2009-07-29 }}</ref>


}}
}}
{{Hide in print|1=


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/ Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Home Page]
* [http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/ Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Home Page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111010185724/http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/item-detail.aspx?type=Time+Period&item=Civil+War+through+Reconstruction+(1861+-+1874) The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111010185724/http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/item-detail.aspx?type=Time+Period&item=Civil+War+through+Reconstruction+%281861+-+1874%29 The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture]
* [http://digital.library.cornell.edu/m/moawar/waro.html The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies]
* [http://digital.library.cornell.edu/m/moawar/waro.html The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122909/http://arkansascivilwar.com/ The Arkansas History Commission, State Archives, Civil War in Arkansas]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122909/http://arkansascivilwar.com/ The Arkansas History Commission, State Archives, Civil War in Arkansas]
* {{US government|sourceURL=[http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.cfm Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System], ''National Park Service''}}}}
* {{US government|url=http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.cfm|title=Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System|agency=National Park Service}}


{{American Civil War |expanded=CTCBS}}
{{American Civil War |expanded=CTCBS}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Arkansas Confederate Civil War regiments]]
[[Category:Units and formations of the Confederate States Army from Arkansas]]
[[Category:1865 disestablishments in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1865]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Military in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Military in Arkansas]]
[[Category:1861 establishments in Arkansas]]
[[Category:1861 establishments in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1861]]

Latest revision as of 23:36, 3 October 2023

8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment
National colors of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment
Active1861 – 1865
DisbandedApril 26, 1865
Country Confederate States
Allegiance Arkansas
Branch Confederate States Army
EngagementsAmerican Civil War
Arkansas Confederate Infantry Regiments
Previous Next
7th Arkansas Infantry Regiment 9th Arkansas Infantry Regiment

8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment (also known as the "Eighth Arkansas") was an infantry formation in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. It served throughout the war in the western theater, seeing action in the Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia campaigns. Following its depletion in numbers the regiment was consolidated several times with other Arkansas regiments, finally merging in 1865 into the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment.

Organization

[edit]

The unit was enrolled in state service on July 13, 1861, at Camp Price[4] near Jacksonport, Arkansas.[5] The unit was inducted into Confederate Service on September 10, 1861.[6] The unit was originally composed of units from the following counties:[7]

    • Company A, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain Robert Anthony.
    • Company B, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain James H. Wilson.
    • Company C, of Independence County, commanded by Captain George W. McCauley.
    • Company D, of Independence County, commanded by Captain Thomas J. Morgan. This unit was originally organized on June 8, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.[8]
    • Company E, the "Independence Guards", of Independence County, commanded by Captain Justus F. Tracy. This unit was originally organized on February 15, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 59th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia.[8]
    • Company F, the "West Point Rifles", of White County, commanded by Captain A. T. Jones. This unit, also "West Point Rangers" was originally organized on May 29, 1861, as a volunteer militia company in the 65th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia under the command of Captain Joseph F. Hathaway.[9]
    • Company G, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain William H. Gray.
    • Company H, of Independence County (that portion now encompassed by Cleburne County), commanded by Captain Enoch N. Floyd.
    • Company I, of Jackson County, commanded by Captain Winfield S. Smalley.
    • Company K, of Randolph County, commanded by Captain James P. Wright.

The original regimental officers of the 8th Arkansas were:[10][11]

    • Colonel William K. Patterson.
    • Lieutenant Colonel Henry M. Couch.
    • Major John A. Price.
    • Sergeant Major T. H. Hubbard.
    • Surgeon Lycurgus A. Dickson.
    • Chaplain John H. Mann.
    • Adjutant Henry J. McCurdy.
    • Quartermaster Elbert L. Watson.

The regiment was armed with weapons which the state confiscated when the Federal Arsenal at Little Rock was seized by Arkansas State Militia troops in February 1861. Disposition of the weapons found in the Arsenal is somewhat sketchy, but from various records it can be surmised that the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiments, mustered in June, 1861, were issued M1816/M1822 .69 caliber flintlocks. They retained these weapons until April, 1862 when they were able to exchange them for better weapons scavenged from the battlefield at Shiloh.[12]

Battles

[edit]

The 8th Arkansas saw no action in the coming months, only taking part in a small raid into Missouri with General Hardee's Command. By October 1861, the regiment, along with the rest of General Hardee's division had been sent to Columbus, Kentucky, to become the Army of Central Kentucky.[13] After the losses of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in February 1862, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston withdrew his forces into western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and Alabama to reorganize. and then retreated through western Tennessee to northern Mississippi. On March 29, 1862, the Army of Central Kentucky was merged into the Army of Mississippi in preparation for the Battle of Shiloh.[14]

The 8th Arkansas was assigned to Brigadier General Sterling A. M. Wood's brigade of Major General William J. Hardee's Corps of the Army of Mississippi. When Brigadier General Woods was wounded during the battle, Colonel Patterson assumed command of the brigade. The regiment suffered heavy casualties on both days of the battle. Lieutenant Thomas Bateman was killed, and Lieutenants Perryman, Cates, Harris and Richardson were wounded. On April 26, 1862, the entire regiment totaled 272 men.[5] In his after action report regarding the Battle of Shiloh, Colonel Patterson commented:[15]

During the entire engagement the men and officers generally exhibited cool, determined gallantry, often exposing themselves to serious fire in squads by irregularity caused by an earnest desire to advance, and it is a melancholy fact that we lost more men in proportion to the wounds, in those places where irregular firing in the rear occurred than in engagements where we were exposed alone to the guns of the enemy. The enemy often wounded but rarely killed us.[15]

In May 1862 the Confederate Army underwent an army-wide reorganization due to the passage of the Conscription Act by the Confederate Congress in April 1862. All twelve-month regiments had to re-muster and enlist for two years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home. Officers who did not choose to stand for re-election were also offered a discharge. The reorganization was accomplished among all the Arkansas regiments in and around Corinth, Mississippi, following the Battle of Shiloh.[16]

On May 7, 1862, the original members of the 8th Arkansas were consolidated into five companies and united with the 7th and 9th Arkansas Infantry Battalions.[5] The reorganized regiment was composed of the following companies:[4]

Colonel John H. Kelly, became the youngest General Officer in the Confederate Army.[17]
    • Company A — Originally Companies B & K of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment from Jackson county.
    • Company B — Originally Companies D & I of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment from Jackson county.
    • Company C — Originally Companies E & H of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment from Independence county.
    • Company D — Originally Companies C & F of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment, from Independence and White counties.
    • Company E — Originally Companies A & G of the 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiment from Independence county.
    • Company F — Originally Companies B & C of the 9th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, which were also (originally Companies B & E, of the (McCarver's) 14th Arkansas Infantry Regiment).
    • Company G — Originally Companies A & D. of the 9th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, Izard and Jackson county (originally Companies A & H, of the (McCarver's) 14th Arkansas Infantry Regiment)
    • Company H — Originally Companies B & C, of the 7th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, from Independence county.
    • Company I — Originally Companies D & F, of the 7th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, from Jackson county.
    • Company K — Originally Companies A & E, of the 7th Arkansas Infantry Battalion.

Upon reorganization, John H. Kelly was elected colonel; Wilson, lieutenant colonel, and Capt. G. F. Baucum, major. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson resigned, and Anderson Watkins was elected major. Upon the promotion of Colonel Kelly to brigadier-general, Baucum became colonel, and Anderson Watkins, lieutenant colonel.[5]

The regiment took part in the battle of Murfreesboro, as part of Liddell's brigade, of Cleburne's Division,[18] and captured two stand of colors, which were taken by Private James Riddle, of Company C, and Corporal N. A. Horn, of Company E. Colonel Kelly was wounded the second day and borne off the field, and Lieutenant Colonel G. F. Baucum assumed command of the regiment. Lieutenants T. H. Beard, S. B. Cole, Colvin Ead and H. J. McCurdy, of the Eighth, were killed. Its casualties were 29 killed and 124 wounded at Murfreesboro.[19]

By the time of the Chickamauga Campaign in September 1863, Colonel Daniel C. Govan had assumed command of Liddell's Brigade.[20] The 8th Arkansas would continue to serve in Govan's Brigade until the end of the war. Its casualties were 14 killed, 92 wounded, and 65 missing at Chickamauga.[19]

Due to the casualties suffered at Chickamauga, the regiment was consolidated with the 19th Arkansas for the Chattanooga Campaign The regiment was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap under Lieutenant Colonel Augustus S. Hutchison of the 19th Arkansas. The 8th/19th Arkansas lost 16 men at Ringgold Gap, totaled 363 men and 265 arms in December, 1863.[19]

When General Joseph E. Johnston assumed command of the Army of Tennessee to oppose General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign, Govan's Brigade was reorganized but the 8th and 19th regmained consolidated. The 8th/19th Arkansas participated in the battles of Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church and Atlanta It sustained 32 killed (including Lt. Colonel Anderson Watkins), 33 wounded (including Colonel Baucum and Lt. Colonel Hutchison), and 32 missing at Atlanta, and fielded 181 effectives on July 23.[21][19] The regiment and it colors were captured, along with much of Govan's Brigade at the Battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, on Sept. 1, 1864.[22] Due to a special cartel between Union General Sherman and Confederate General John B. Hood, the unit was quickly paroled and exchanged for Union prisoner held at Andersonville Prison. The regiment re-entered service approximately a month later.[23]

The 8th/19 Arkansas and the rest of Govan's Brigade were released and exchanged just in time to participate in General John B. Hood's disastrous Franklin-Nashville Campaign. The 8th/19th was under the command of Major D.H. Hamiter at the Battle of Franklin.[24] Govan's entire brigade numbered just 550 rifles and sustained 66% casualties during the Battle of Franklin.[25]

The remnants of Govan's Brigade that survived the Tennessee Campaign remained with the Army of Tennessee through its final engagements in the 1865 Carolinas Campaign.[26] The 8th Arkansas would be credited with participation in the following battles:

Regimental colors

[edit]

There are four surviving examples of the battle flags of the 8th Arkansas Infantry:[6]

A circle of ten stars appears in this flag, elaborated by an "A" superimposed over the central and eleventh star. Presumably, the star outside the circle represents Missouri, admitted in August, 1861 by the Provisional Congress. The flag was presented to the unit raised in Jacksonport by William Patterson in the summer of 1861. Ladies of the town distinguished the flag with gold embroidered chain stitch, "March on! March on! All hearts resolved on victory or death". This flag was most likely retired when flags in the Hardee pattern were issued to the Army of Central Kentucky in early 1862. First Confederate National Flag pattern variation. Cotton, red wool, red silk fringe and gold embroidery, 21" x 39". Currently held at Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.[30]

A Hardee Pattern Flag of the 8th Arkansas prior to Consolidation with the 19th Arkansas. This flag is extremely large, measuring 56 and 1/2 by 59 inches. The flag bears an inverted pair of crossed cannons, which is an honor for having captured a battery of field artillery. The words, "CLEBURNE'S DIV" and "GOVAN's BRIGADE" surround the cannons. This flag is currently located at the Battle Abbey, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia.[6]

The flag of the 8th flag is an example of Hardee flags. This flag, probably issued in the summer of 1863, bore the battle honors "SHILOH", "PERRYVILLE", and "MURFREESBORO". Brigadier General John H. Kelly took this flag home and it remained in his family for many years. The flag is currently located at the Texas Civil War Museum, Fort Worth, TX.[31]

The Flag of the 8th and 19th Consolidated Arkansas Infantry Regiments. This flag is an example of the 1864 issue of Hardee flags. This was produced and decorated specifically for the combined unit, displaying battle honors of each. The poorly dyed blue field, now faded to pea green, is typical of the 1864 flags. When it was captured at Jonesboro, Georgia, on 1 September 1864, the flag was identified as that of an artillery battery. The honor of crossed cannon, as well as the unit's position supporting Key's Battery, caused the confused attribution. Hardee Battle flag pattern, Cleburne's Division 1864 issue. Cotton with black and white paint, 35" x 34+1⁄2" remaining. War Department Capture Number 206. Currently located at the Old State House Museum, Little Rock Arkansas.[32]

Consolidation and surrender

[edit]

The remnants of ten depleted Arkansas regiments, along with one mostly-Arkansas regiment, in the Army of Tennessee were consolidated into a single regiment at Smithfield, North Carolina, on April 9, 1865.[33][34]

The 1st Arkansas, was lumped together with the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 19th and 24th Arkansas Infantry Regiments and the 3rd Confederate Infantry Regiment as the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry on April 9, 1865.[35] On April 26, 1865, the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment was present with the Army of Tennessee when it surrendered in Greensboro, North Carolina.[36]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sikakis, Stewart, Compendium of the Confederate Armies, Florida and Arkansas, Facts on File, Inc., 1992, ISBN 978-0-8160-2288-5, page 86
  2. ^ United States. War Dept. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 20, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports., Book, 1887, Page 173; digital images, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154629/m1/183/?q=Arkansas%20Infantry : accessed February 17, 2012), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas.
  3. ^ a b Cleburne's Pickett's Mill Battle Report, O.R.– SERIES 1–VOLUME XXXVIII/3, May I-September 8, 1864. – THE ATLANTA (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN, No. 608.–Report of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 7–27, republished at Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Accessed 15 February 2012, "Georgia State Parks - Cleburne's Pickett's Mill Battle Report". Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
  4. ^ a b Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Page, 8TH ARKANSAS INFANTRY REGIMENT, Confederate States Army, Accessed 17 January 2010, http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/8infindx.html
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  36. ^ 1st Arkansas Infantry Regiment, CSA Archived September 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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