July 4 Battle of Helena and Civil War Commemoration

On July 4, 1863, one of the largest battles of the American Civil War in Arkansas took place at Helena. The Federal garrison under Major General Benjamin Prentiss defended the town against a Confederate army under the direction of Lieutenant General Theophilus Holmes. This decisive Union victory along with Confederate losses at Vicksburg and Gettysburg turned the tide of the war. In commemoration of this event, the Delta Cultural Center will be hosting a special program with period re-enactors at Fort Curtis. There will be weapons and artillery demonstrations. Visitors may also interact with re-enactors and learn about the American Civil War. For more information, contact education coordinator Richard Spilman at (870) 338-4350 or richard.spilman@arkansas.gov