Elkin's Ferry, AR

Date(s): April 3-4, 1864

Campaign(s): Camden Expedition (1864)

Battles in Campaign:

• Elkin's Ferry, AR - April 3-4, 1864 C

• Prairie D'Ane, AR - April 9-13, 1864 B

• Poison Spring, AR - April 18, 1864 C

• Marks' Mills, AR - April 25, 1864 D

• Jenkins' Ferry, AR - April 30, 1864 C

Situation:

• The Camden Expedition (March 23–May 2, 1864) was a military campaign in southern and central Arkansas.

• It involved Union forces stationed at Little Rock and Fort Smith under the command of Major General Frederick Steele.

• The plan called for Steele's force to march to Shreveport, Louisiana, where it would link up with an amphibious expedition led by Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks and Rear Admiral David D. Porter, whose force was to advance up the Red River Valley; once joined, the Union force was to strike into Texas.

Commanders:

• Union: Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele

• Confederate: Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke

Principal Forces:

• Union: 3rd Division, VII Corps and two cavalry brigades

• Confederate: Three cavalry brigades

Description:

• During the expedition, Union forces sought a ford to cross the Little Missouri River because other roads were impassible.

• They reached Elkin’s Ferry before the Confederates.

• The Confederates were unable to stop them from crossing.

Slide Presentation¹: Camden Expedition, AR

Classification²: C

Casualties³:

• Union: 38

• Confederate: 54

Results: Union Victory

Battlefield Website:

• The Camden Expedition in Arkansas - CivilWar.org

Recommended Resources:

¹ Slide Presentation Updated on 1/31/07. Click on link to view as web-based slide show.

² Classification:

• A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

• B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

• C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

• D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

³ Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 01/02/2009