The Battle of Arkansas Post (Fort Hindman) - January 11, 1863

The Battle of Arkansas Post, also known as the Battle of Fort Hindman, occurred on January 11, 1863, during the American Civil War. This conflict was a part of the Union’s campaign to exert control over the vital waterways in the Confederate South, particularly the Mississippi River, and to secure strategic points that disrupted Confederate operations and supply lines.

Context

In the larger scope of the Union’s western strategy, known as the Anaconda Plan, controlling the Mississippi River was crucial. Following their victory at the Battle of Vicksburg, Union forces sought to eliminate any remaining Confederate strongholds along the river. Fort Hindman, located at Arkansas Post on the Arkansas River, was a significant Confederate fortification. The Union leadership considered its capture essential to open navigation along this waterway.

Key Figures

Union Major General John A. McClernand led the land forces, with Rear Admiral David D. Porter commanding the naval operations. The Confederate forces at Fort Hindman were commanded by Brigadier General Thomas J. Churchill.

The Battle

• Location: The battle took place at Arkansas Post, a strategically positioned Confederate fort on the Arkansas River.
• Union Strategy: The Union planned a two-pronged assault involving riverine and land forces working in tandem to overpower the Confederate defenses.
• Naval Assault: Admiral Porter’s ironclad fleet began the attack by bombarding the fort from the river on January 9, 1863, providing cover for the landing of Union troops.
• Ground Engagement: General McClernand coordinated the ground assault, decisively pressing forward with infantry attacks to envelop the fort.
• Outcome: By January 11, after sustained bombardment and pressure from Union infantry, Confederate General Churchill, realizing the untenable position, surrendered Fort Hindman.

Aftermath and Significance

• Union Victory: The capture of Arkansas Post was a strategic Union victory, resulting in the seizure of over 4,800 Confederate troops and 17 artillery pieces.
• Impact on the Confederacy: The fall of Fort Hindman compromised Confederate control in the region and disrupted their ability to use the Arkansas River for operations and supply.
• Broader Implications: This victory further solidified Union control over the Mississippi River and foreshadowed continued Union success in the Western Theater, significantly contributing to the eventual Union split of the Confederacy along the Mississippi.

The Battle of Arkansas Post was indicative of the ongoing Union strategy to split the Confederacy and control critical supply lines and transportation routes during the Civil War.