On Saturday, October 19, MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will be providing a Civil War bus tour to Helena, Arkansas with author and historian, Mark Christ.

The cost is $65 dollars but we have reserved 10 seats with a special price of just $35 dollars for Arkansas Museums Association Members.

We will depart from in front of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, located at 503 E. 9th St. in downtown Little Rock’s MacArthur Park, at 7:00 a.m. and plan to return by 7:00 p.m.

 Our morning itinerary includes stops at Freedom Park, once the location of a Contraband camp of freed slaves who fled to Helena after emancipation.  This park interprets the African American experience during the Civil War.  From there we'll drive to New Fort Curtis, three-quarter sized reproduction of the earthen fort, including huge 24-pounder guns.  Adjacent to the fort is the Moore-Hornor House, which served as a hospital following the Battle of Helena.  While at this stop, we will take turns shuttling folks up to Battery D, one of four earthen batteries erected by the Union Army.  Those more adventurous will also have the opportunity to hike out to the undeveloped battery for a hands-on view of the terrain facing Confederate soldiers on July 4, 1863. 

 Next we travel to the Helena Museum of Phillips County for lunch, which is catered by Rosie's Diner.  The menu features fried catfish and BBQ ribs, side dishes, tea and dessert.  The museum's Civil War galleries include exhibits on the Battle of Helena, the seven generals of Helena, and the Phillips Guards Battle Flag.  After lunch we travel to Battery C Park, featuring a grand view of downtown Helena and the Mississippi River from atop Crowley's Ridge.  From there we travel to Confederate Cemetery.  Three vans will shuttle us from the cemetery entrance to Confederate Hill which includes a monument at Patrick Cleburne's grave.  Our final stop in Helena will be at the Delta Cultural Center's Civil War exhibits at the Depot. 

Leaving Helena, we will retrace much of the route Federal Soldiers took during the Little Rock Campaign in August and September 1863, traveling through DeVall's Bluff.  Final stops are planned for Reed's Bridge Battlefield Park and Bayou Fourche Battlefield.  We return to the museum along East 9th St, the same route taken by Federal troops 156 years ago as they marched on the Arsenal. 

If you are wanting to go or want more information, feel free to call Stephan McAteer at 501-376-4602 or email smcateer@littlerock.gov.