Arkansas Militia in the Civil War
The units of the Arkansas Militia in the Civil War to which the current Arkansas National Guard has a connection include the Arkansas State Militia, Home Guard, and State Troop regiments raised by the State of Arkansas. Like most of the United States, Arkansas had an organized militia system before the American Civil War. State law required military service of most male inhabitants of a certain age. Following the War with Mexico, the Arkansas militia experienced a decline, but as sectional frictions between the north and south began to build in the late 1850s the militia experienced a revival. By 1860 the state's militia consisted of 62 regiments divided into eight brigades, which comprised an eastern division and a western division. New regiments were added as the militia organization developed. Additionally, many counties and cities raised uniformed volunteer companies, which drilled more often and were better equipped than the un-uniformed militia. These volunteer companies were instrumental in the seizure of federal installations at Little Rock and Fort Smith, beginning in February 1861.
Mustering in the "Hempstead Rifles," Arkansas Volunteers, at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in 1861.
Little Rock Arsenal, early 1800s
Captain Dandridge McRae commanded the Arkansas Guards, a volunteer militia company from the White County, during the Arsnel crisis. Later, McRea helped organize State Troops at Camp Rector, near Hopefield (present West Memphis). McRea, who was eventually promoted to Brigadier General, also helped raise the "Northwest regiment".
Col. Patrick Cleburne, Commander, 1st Arkansas Infantry, State Troops, a.k.a. 15th Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army
The Arkansas National Guard (ARNG), commonly known as the Arkansas Guard, is a component of the Government of Arkansas and the National Guard of the United States. It is composed of Army and Air National Guard units. The adjutant general's office is located at Camp Robinson MTC, North Little Rock.
Arkansas National Guardsmen helping fight flood waters in the small community of Payneway, May 2011
Col. Wharton Rector, Jr., 1828–1832
Col. Archibald Yell, 1832–1833
Col. Wharton Rector, Jr., 1835–1836