1st Regiment, Arkansas Infantry (Union)

HISTORICAL NOTES:
In April 1862 James M. Johnson, a doctor and unionist from Huntsville, left the state with his brother, Frank, and his friend Issac Murphy. Like many other unionists, they left due to the increasing amount of harassment at the hands of confederate guerillas. All three men were prominent unionists, the most famous of which being Murphy who was the only delegate to vote against secession during the final call the previous year. The group headed north until they reached Keitsville, Missouri where they made contact with General Samual R. Curtis, who commanded the Army of the Southwest. Johnson and his brother offered their services to the Union army, with Johnson becoming an Aide to General Curtis. Johnson followed the army to Helena and throughout the summer and fall would serve as an aide to various other Generals in Arkansas, eventually traveling back to the northwest with the Army of the Frontier in October 1862. As the Army moved south they reached Elkhorn Tavern and here Johnson received the authority to raise a loyal Arkansas Infantry Regiment. It wouldn't be until the aftermath of the Prairie Grove Campaign and the following exodus of the northwestern confederate army that recruiting could finally begin. In December Johnson set up a headquarters at Fayetteville and in January he was aided by an Illinois captain named Elhanan J. Searle, and the two would gradually recruit men from the surrounding counties.

In 1865 much of the frontier began to quite down and by summer the Civil War was over. The First Regiment of Arkansas Infantry Volunteers was mustered out on August 10, 1865, serving the union for over 2 years. OFFICERS:

Col. James M. Johnson

Lt. Col. Elhanan J. Searle

Maj. Elijah D. Ham

Maj. Francis "Frank" M. Johnson

ASSIGNMENTS:
The 1st Arkansas Infantry was attached to District Southwest Missouri, Dept. Missouri to December 1863. The 1st Arkansas was attached to 2nd Brigade, District of the Frontier, Dept. Missouri, to January 1864. The regiment was attached to 2nd Brigade, District of the Frontier, 7th Army Corps, Dept. of Arkansas, to March 1864. The regiment was attached to 1st Brigade, District of the Frontier, 7th Army Corps, to February 1865. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 7th Army Corps, to August 1865. SERVICE:

Battle of Fayetteville

Skirmish at Fayetteville

Capture of Fort Smith

Battle of Haguewood Prairie

Occupation of Waldron

Skirmish at Mount Ida

Camden Expedition

Battle of Prairie D'Ane (?)

Battle of Moscow

Battle of Jenkins Ferry

Skirmish at Bates Township

Skirmish at Newton County

ROSTERS: The roster of this regiment contains the names of 1883 men. Men from Benton, Crawford, Madison, Newton, Searcy, and Washington counties served in this regiment.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
REFERENCES: REF: Wikipedia
Crute - Units of the Confederate States Army
Sifakis - Compendium of the Confederate Armies