Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for August 1, with notable births and deaths of people with Arkansas connections for this date. Information is drawn from state archives, historical societies, contemporary newspapers and other media archives, and legal records. Much of this information comes from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, an online publication. ChatGPH has collected this data.
1862 — Skirmish at Jonesboro begins. Union Lt. Charles Porter launched a surprise attack against a Confederate force commanded by Captain Mitchell Adair at Jonesboro in Craighead County. The Confederates survived the August 1 attack and counterattacked the following morning. Federal forces reportedly suffered eleven casualties, while the Confederates lost one man. The Union troops withdrew from Jonesboro, and the Confederates recovered prisoners and supplies taken during the opening attack.
1864 — Confederate troops attack plantations near Helena. As part of an effort to disrupt Union operations in eastern Arkansas, Confederate cavalry under Colonel Archibald Dobbins attacked at least three plantations near Helena on August 1. The farms were part of the Federal plantation system and were being worked by formerly enslaved people and Northern leaseholders. Approximately 300 Black laborers and 200 mules were captured, along with clothing, equipment and other property. Confederate General Joseph Shelby later reported that about seventy-five Black soldiers, civilians and white Federals were killed. The violence became known as the Skirmish at Lamb’s Plantation…