Important Arkansas historical events and significant anniversaries for April 5, 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.
On April 5, 1864, during the Civil War’s Camden Expedition, Union general Frederick Steele pushed forward in southwest Arkansas and made contact with John Thayer’s reinforcements on April 5 after crossing at Elkin’s Ferry, a key step before the Prairie D’Ane fighting and the move toward Camden.
On April 5, 1873, Garland County was created on April 5, 1873, from parts of Hot Spring, Montgomery, Saline, and Clark counties; Hot Spring County’s boundaries were reduced the same day. The action removed the town of Hot Springs from Hot Spring County…