Date of Award
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Department
History
First Reader
Dr. Trey Berry
Second Reader
Dr. Wendy Richter
Third Reader
Dr. Kevin Brennan
Abstract
Pointilism is described as "the application of paint in small dots and brush strokes so as to create an effect of blending." From a distance, the artistic style of pointilism appears to be a complete work of art but closer inspection reveals a series of miniscule dots that combine to form the entire image on the canvas. The American Civil War is a large portrait in American history. However, its description is not limited to battles and war heroes. A true portrait encompasses all aspects of the war effort from the citizens on the home front to the soldiers in the field. All these tiny points combine to complete the portrait rather than to leave the viewer with an incomplete image.
The war effort in Clark County, Arkansas, earned a position as one of the many dots that satisfy the portrait. Efforts in the county covered every aspect of life for the ordinary citizen. Although no major battles occurred in the area, Clark County became an important supply depot to the Trans-Mississippi Army. The city of Arkadelphia sits at the crossroads of the Ouachita River and the Southwest Trail, which along with the natural resources of the area and the existing factories, made it an ideal location for a supply depot. Factories produced salt, clothing, medical chemicals, and munitions for the Confederate Army. Many families sent their husbands and sons to fight in the war, often taking them to far away states. The citizens of Clark County labored day and night to supply the Confederate war effort. To understand the importance of the country to the war effort in Arkansas, the historian must examine every aspect of the war that affected the ordinary citizens.
Recommended Citation
Harper, Stephanie, "Snapshot Within a Portrait: The Civil War in Clark County, Arkansas, 1861-1865" (2001). Honors Theses. 120.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/120