Although I had known about the “Marching Song of the 1st Arkansas,” which was written in 1864 and was sung to the tune of “John Brown’s Body” (or the Battle Hymn of the Republic) – I had not known that … Continue reading →
Samuel Brooks was one of the men from the 1st Arkansas (later renamed the 46th U.S. Colored Infantry) captured at Mound plantation in late June 1863. Companies E and G were posted high on an Indian mound, and were overtaken … Continue reading →
Although not present at the battle of Milliken’s Bend on June 7, 1863, the story of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, African Descent (later renamed the 46th U.S. Colored Infantry or USCI) nevertheless is essential in the larger narrative of events … Continue reading →
Although not present at the battle of Milliken’s Bend on June 7, 1863, the 1st Arkansas Infantry, African Descent, was posted nearby, just upriver a ways at Goodrich’s Landing. Like all the other black Union regiments forming at the time … Continue reading →
Col. William H. Parsons was already known as a hard-riding cavalryman by the time his troopers rode into northeast Louisiana in late June, 1863. On June 29, he discovered two companies of the Union 1st Arkansas Infantry, African Descent, fortified … Continue reading →