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Fall in Arkansas is the perfect time for a scenic drive, and few routes offer as much history and beauty as the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway in Southeast Arkansas. Winding through forests, farmlands and historic towns, this byway connects sites that shaped the Civil War and left a lasting impact on the state’s story. It’s a route designed for grandparents and grandchildren, history enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys exploring Arkansas’ backroads with a purpose.
Designated as part of the Arkansas Heritage Trail System and recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway combines natural beauty with a deeper look into the past. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a drive for Grandparents Day or just a fall adventure, this historic route encourages travelers to slow down, reflect and explore.
What was the Camden Expedition?
The Camden Expedition was a part of the larger Red River Campaign in 1864, when Union forces aimed to control supply lines across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Major General Frederick Steele commanded his army south from Little Rock toward Camden, a Confederate supply hub. His objective was to secure Camden and then push into the Red River Valley, cutting off resources that supported the Confederacy.
But the march was arduous. Union troops faced muddy ground, limited supplies, and strong resistance from Confederate soldiers. A series of battles—many remembered as “turning points”—shifted control back toward Little Rock and away from the port towns that handled river trade. Although the Union never took Camden, the expedition left behind a trail of fortifications, cemeteries, and battlegrounds that today tell the story of both sides in the conflict.
Traveling the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway allows visitors to step into this chapter of history, imagining the decisions, challenges, and sacrifices of the time while enjoying the peaceful landscapes of modern-day Arkansas.
Key Stops Along the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway
Camden Visitor Information Center
Start your visit at the Camden Visitor Information Center, where you can get maps, brochures, and background information about the byway. The staff can help you find museums, historic homes, and other Civil War landmarks in Ouachita County. While in Camden, make sure to visit the McCollum-Chidester House, which served as Steele’s headquarters, and the Ouachita County Historical Society Museum, which shares more stories of the region’s history.
Fort Southerland and Fort Lookout | Camden
These two earthen forts were built by Confederate forces to defend Camden. Their raised embankments and strategic locations offer insight into Civil War military engineering. Today, walking trails and markers within the city park help visitors learn about their role in protecting the Ouachita River and supply routes.
Oakland Cemetery | Camden
This peaceful cemetery commemorates the Confederate soldiers who lost their lives during the Camden Expedition and related battles. Many headstones feature epitaphs that offer a personal insight into the men who served. It’s a somber yet significant reminder of the human toll of the campaign.
Poison Springs Battlefield State Park | Chidester
At Poison Springs, Confederate forces defeated Union troops and captured critical supplies. This battle became a key moment in the campaign. Today, the site has interpretive signs and walking paths that help visitors understand the battle’s strategic significance and the heavy losses incurred.
Prairie D’Ane Battlefield State Park | Prescott
On April 9, 1864, Union and Confederate forces fought across these fields and wooded ridges. Visitors can still see remnants of trenches and earthworks, offering insight into the tactics of the time. The open landscape makes it easy to imagine how soldiers moved across the prairie during battle. The Nevada County Train Depot and Museum serves as a great resting spot for more information.
Elkins’ Ferry Battlefield | Near Prescott and Okolona
This skirmish along the Little Missouri River was key to Steele’s march. Union troops successfully crossed the river under fire, showing their resilience. The site is marked in a small cemetery behind Missionary Grove Baptist Church. A preserved battlefield area is available, but stopping at the church to read the markers will provide more detailed information.
Historic Washington State Park | Washington
This preserved 19th-century town served as Steele’s Union headquarters during the expedition. Walk through restored buildings, including the Confederate State Capitol, and discover the town’s significance as both a military and civilian hub. Washington’s brick-lined streets and living history programs make this a highlight of the byway. Stay nearby at the Coulter Homestead Retreat and extend your journey.
Marks’ Mill Battlefield | New Edinburg
At Marks’ Mill, Confederate troops surprised Union supply wagons, capturing hundreds of soldiers and vital provisions. This Confederate victory contributed to Steele’s decision to retreat. Today, the battlefield includes markers that tell the story of this pivotal clash.
Jenkins’ Ferry Battleground State Park | Leola
One of the last battles of the Camden Expedition, soldiers at Jenkins’ Ferry fought in harsh conditions; rain, mud and swollen rivers made the fighting fierce. Visitors today can walk shaded trails, view interpretive exhibits, and stand at overlooks to absorb the history.
Old Arsenal, now MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History | Little Rock
The expedition began in Little Rock, where Steele’s troops started. The Old Arsenal, now housing the MacArthur Military Museum, connects the story back to Arkansas’s capital. Exhibits here showcase the broader military history of the state, including the legacy of General Douglas MacArthur, who was born on the grounds.
Some people choose to start their journey here to set the tone. It doesn’t matter where you begin or end your journey, but this route offers more tips for planning your trip.
A Journey Worth Taking
Exploring the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway offers more than just a history lesson. It’s a chance to drive through Southeast Arkansas towns, visit local museums, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ouachita foothills and Delta landscapes. The route weaves stories of courage, hardship, and resilience while providing a peaceful drive perfect for families, history buffs, and Arkansas Foodies who love catfish and barbecue.
Whether you start in Little Rock, Camden or Washington, each stop adds a piece to the bigger story. Retrace the march of 1864, honor the soldiers who fought, and explore the communities that grew from those historic crossroads. It’s an Arkansas journey that combines history, scenery, and reflection into one memorable drive, perfect for riding on a motorcycle or taking it slow and steady in a group van with plenty of places to stop.
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