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CIVIL WAR ARKANSAS
LESSON PLAN
Using Where the Road Begins
For Grades 9-12
By Nancy Dane
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Lesson Plan using historical fiction novel Where the Road Begins
Content Standard 5: Students shall analyze the cause and effects of the Civil War on Arkansas.
SR.5.AH.9-12.1
Investigate the controversy leading to the secession of Arkansas
(e.g., state leaders, cooperationists, Secession Convention, May 6, 1861)
SR.5.AH.9-12.2
Define confederation and describe the weaknesses of the Confederacy
SR.5.AH.9-12.3
Analyze how the Union and Confederate governments exerted powers to fight the war
(e.g., draft, first income tax, wars recruitment)
SR.5.AH.9-12.4
Compare and contrast the Confederacy to the government under the Articles of Confederation
SR.5.AH.9-12.5
Analyze the contributions of noteworthy Arkansans during the Civil War period
SR.5.AH.9-12.6
Explain the existence of dual governments in wartime Arkansas:
 Washington, Arkansas
 Little Rock, Arkansas
SR.5.AH.9-12.7
Examine the major Civil War battlefields in and near Arkansas
Overview: Where the Road Begins, a historical fiction novel, covers the first two
years of the war in Arkansas. The novel is well researched and based on a documentary
history, titled Tattered Glory, also compiled by the author.
As the book begins, the protagonist, Elijah Loring, a youth of sixteen and the son
of a happy and prosperous family, lives in the mountains of northern Johnson County.
War abruptly halts this idyllic life as his father joins the Confederate Army, leaving
Elijah behind to care for both farm and family.
Shortly, however, Elijah is conscripted, dragged away bound and gagged, to
spend much of the next two years fighting for the seldom victorious Confederate Army.
The novel deals with problematic issuesboth political and personalin a state
divided in loyalties, the river valley strongly Confederate, the mountain population often
pro-Union. Throughout the book we are introduced to actual historical figures and learn
the roles they played. Students will also learn that collapsed government is eventually
replaced by marshal law, and with the appointment of local provost marshals, personal
liberty is greatly restricted.
The plight of civilians is a major theme. Woman, children, and old men are
preyed upon by bushwhackers and foraging armies as starvation and torture become
commonplace. The portrayal of such events is largely based on actual testimonies of
Arkansans who survived the war. These testimonies are preserved for us in the Southern
Claims Commission Files.
The story features the battles of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove as well as the
military deprivations along the White River. Also portrayed is the fall of the Confederate
fort at St. Charles where the explosion of the boiler on the steamship Mound City proved
to be the deadliest single cannon shot of the war, purportedly killing one hundred and
fifty men.
By the conclusion of the novel, students will know the effect of the war on
Arkansas, and perhaps even more importantly, the havoc typically wreaked on one
family.
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“With a quote from the official records, Nancy Dane starts a novel that reads like a lost
dispatch from the Civil War. The book covers the fictional experiences of an Arkansas
family during the war but could be straight from a genuine diary kept during the
conflict.” – Tom Wing, Assistant Professor of History, University of Arkansas-Fort
Smith
Read Chapters and discuss topics falling under Chapter descriptions below: (outline for
further topics on pgs.4-6)
Chapter 1: SR.5.AH.9-12.1 Investigate the controversy leading to the secession of
Arkansas
With glimpses of both town and rural life, chapter one gives insight into the
prosperity and promise of pre-war Arkansas. It also reveals the pre-war sentiments in the
state, including how in February 1861, the anti-secession candidates won by more than
eight thousand votes (almost two to one).
Chapter 2: SR.5.AH.9-12.1 Investigate the controversy leading to the secession of
Arkansas
Sentiments change as sister states begin to secede, eventually resulting in a
stampede into the Confederate camp when President Lincoln raises an army to invade the
seceding states. In Maywith only one opposing votethe state convention votes to
secede. This chapter relates how from this point on, the state’s loyal Unionist become
very guarded in voicing support for the Union. It also foreshadows the dire consequences
this support often caused. Men begin volunteering for the Confederate Army. Local
militias across the state organize into Confederate companies led by locally elected
officers.
Chapter 3: SR. 5 … effects of the Civil War on Arkansas.
As men flock to service, women and children are left to fend for themselves,
creating great hardship. The scarcity of men and of official law enforcement leaves the
country vulnerable to roving bands of marauders who strike without warning, leaving
death and destruction in their wake.
Chapter 4: SR. 5 … effects of the Civil War on Arkansas
In 1861 crops are bountiful but difficult for youths and women to harvest. This
chapter gives insight into crops and methods of harvest and preservation common at this
time, e.g. sorghum cane/molasses making. Also included is a typical social function, a
quilt making. However, as communities begin to splinter over divided loyalties, normal
social functions are greatly curtailed and the seeds of mistrust take firm root.
Chapter 5: SR. 5 … effects of the Civil War on Arkansas
Although the battle of Wilson’s Creek occurs in Missouri, it has a great effect on
Arkansas. Many Arkansans are killed in this 1861 conflict, the first battle for most of
them. Due to the success of the Confederates, many think the war won and drift from
volunteer service back to their homes, greatly weakening the Confederate cause in
Arkansas.
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Chapter 6 SR.5.AH.9-12.3 Analyze how the Union and Confederate governments exerted powers to
fight the war (e.g., draft, first income tax, wars recruitment)
The influx of troops from other states into the Confederate Army in Arkansas
swell the ranks. However, they also add strain on the coffers to arm, feed, and clothe
them.
Chapter 7: SR.5.AH.9-12.3 Analyze how the Union and Confederate governments exerted powers to
fight the war (e.g., draft, first income tax, wars recruitment)
As suspicion against Union supporters grows, the new Confederate government
cracks down. Across the state men are arrested (and some hanged) for seditious
activities. An underground pro-Union society springs to life known as The Peace
Society.
Chapter 8: SR.5.AH.9-12.2…. describe the weaknesses of the Confederacy
With tightening commerce, hoarding begins. Some items become hard to procure
and thieving increases. Infighting erodes unity in the state government.
Chapter 9: SR.5.AH.9-12.3 Analyze how the Union and Confederate governments exerted powers to
fight the war (e.g., draft, first income tax, wars recruitment)
As Confederate ranks are depleted by expired enlistments and desertions,
conscription begins. (The actual Conscription Act occurred at a later date, April 1862, but
for story line Elijah is conscripted just before the battle of Pea Ridge) In order to halt
desertions, severe measures are taken: deserters are flogged and shot.
Chapter 10: SR.5.AH.9-12.5 Analyze the contributions of noteworthy Arkansans during the Civil War
period
The Confederate Army burns supplies stored in Fayetteville to prevent the
advancing Union Army under General Samuel Curtis from obtaining them. Shamefully,
as things get out of hand, the Confederate troops sack the town.
Introduced are noteworthy Confederate leaders: Earl Van Dorn, Sterling Price,
Ben McCulloch.
Chapter 11: SR.5.AH.9-12.7 Examine the major Civil War battlefields in and near Arkansas.
The battle of Pea Ridge (March 1862) is clearly and concisely portrayed through
the eyes of Elijah, a common foot soldier. The fanaticism and failed strategy of General
Van Dorn is debated, as well as the conduct of Indian troops led by Albert Pike who
scalped Union troops on the battlefield.
As the defeated Rebels flee, the wounded are transported to Little Rock.
Chapter 12: SR.5.AH.9-12.5 Analyze the contributions of noteworthy Arkansans during the Civil War
period
When General Van Dornwithout warningleaves the state to cross the
Mississippi, he takes vast numbers of troops and supplies, depleting Arkansas of
essentials and leaving her vulnerable to the Union presence now in the state. Students are
introduced to the new commander of the Trans-Mississippi, Thomas Hindman and his
radical measures to hold the state for the Confederacy.
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Chapter 13: SR.5.AH.9-12.5 Analyze the contributions of noteworthy Arkansans during the Civil War
period
General Hindman orders a scorched earth policyto destroy everything in the
Union General Samuel Curtis’ path as he marches down the White River. As the fight
extends to the fort at St. Charles, (June 1862) the deadliest single shot of the war occurs
when the boiler on the Union boat the Mound City is struck by a cannonball and
explodes.
Chapter 14: SR.5.AH.9-12.2…. describe the weaknesses of the Confederacy
As the Confederates fail to halt Curtis’ advance, the Union army becomes firmly
entrenched at Helena. Little Rock fears a similar fate and hundreds flee the city. When
Hindman’s policies are thought to have failed, a new general is sent to the state to
command the Army of Trans-Mississippi, Major General Theophilus Holmes. He,
however, unexpectedly leaves Hindman in command of Arkansas’ forces.
Chapter 15: SR.5.AH.9-12.7 Examine the major Civil War battlefields in and near Arkansas
Hindman retrenches the tattered army at Fort Smith, and much to everyone’s
surprise, begins advancing toward Union forces now in North West Arkansas. The
armies clash at Prairie Grove. The resulting battle (Dec. 1862) ends with Hindman’s
army fleeing in the dead of night, retreating back toward Fort Smith. When a Union force
occupies Van Buren, Hindman’s army flees again, toward Little Rock.
Chapter 16: SR. 5 … effects of the Civil War on Arkansas
Hundreds desert the fleeing army to return home. Elijah returns home to find
devastation and hunger, the results of bushwhacking and theft.
Chapter 17: SR.5.AH.9-12.5 Analyze the contributions of noteworthy Arkansans during the Civil War
period
Fort Hindman falls to the Union (Arkansas Post). The South suffers irreparable
loss of valuable waterways on the Mississippi and the Arkansas River. General Hindman
resigns, replaced by Kirby Smith. The Federals leave Fayetteville. Confederate Calvary
commander General Marmaduke leads a raid into Missouri and procures much-needed
supplies for the faltering Confederacy in Arkansas.
Chapter 18-20: SR. 5 … effects of the Civil War on Arkansas
Lawlessness continues to sweep the land. Conscripting begins again in earnest.
Drought brings failed crops to Arkansas, increasing misery and hunger. The Confederate
Army (as well as the civilian population) suffers greatly from lack of food and clothing.
Chapter 21-22: SR.5.AH.9-12.6 Explain the existence of dual governments in wartime Arkansas.
Little Rock falls as Union troops invade central Arkansas. Foraging armiesboth
Union and Confederatecommandeer supplies from people already desperate and
suffering.
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TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTIVITIES:
I. Events leading to Civil War in Arkansas
A. Discussion Topics
1. Issues leading to secession
a. States Rights (Right of individual state to determine as much as
possible its laws and government)
b. Slavery
2. The effect of demographics on loyalties
a. Plantation life vs. mountain life
1. Cotton producers needed slave labor and rivers to
transport goods
2. Mountain people independent by nature
3. Shift of Loyalties
a. February elections 1861 show majority pro Union, yet by May
the state had seceded.
b. Cooperationists: opponents of immediate secession, urging
delay until a given number of states had agreed to secede as a
bloc
4. Reasons for shift
a. Sister states had seceded
b. President Lincoln called for a 75,000 man volunteer army to
subdue the South, angering Arkansans
5. May 1861 Arkansans voted to leave the Union
B. Narrative/ Writing Exercise
1. Have students write an essay explaining which way they would
have voted in 1861 election (for or against secession candidates) and
why
2. Have students describe what issue they think was main cause of war
C. Activities
1. Have a debate on States rights vs. Federal Powers.
2. Hold a mock election
II.
WAR
A. Discussion Topics
1. Major Battles and outcomes
a. Pea Ridge
b. Prairie Grove
c. Arkansas Post
2. Major military leaders
a. Earl Van DornConfederate
b. Samuel CurtisUnion
c. Sterling PriceConfederate
d. Thomas HindmanConfederate
e. John MarmadukeConfederate
f. Albert PikeConfederate
g. Francis HerronUnion
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3. Conscription
a. Men hide out to avoid mandatory conscription
b. Punishment for trying to avoid service
4. Plight of civilians
a. Preyed on by bushwhackers
b. Food taken by foraging armies
c. People tortured to discover hidden valuables
d. Crops and survival dependant on women and children
e. Hunger and deprivation
5. Indians fight on both sides
6. Control of areas changed hands many times (Union or Confederate)
a. Confederate capital eventually moves to Washington Arkansas
b. Union capital from Helena to Little Rock
B. Narrative/Writing Exercise
1. Have students discuss what they might have done to prevent someone
stealing their food.
2. Discuss or write essay on what happens when law and order breaks
down.
C. Activities
1. Make cornpone, or give students recipe to try at home
(eaten by Southern soldier and civilian)
recipe: 2 parts cornmeal, 1 part boiling water, salt to taste, stir well,
scoop 1 Tablespoonful into hand and pat into a cake, and fry in hot
oil, turn over to brown both sides.
D. Narrative/Writing Exercise
1. Have student write an essay on what they think it would be like in
the United States today if the Confederacy had won the war.
2. Have students discuss or write an essay answering this question; Could
our society today to go from affluent to destitute in three years? Why
or why not?
E. Activities
1. Watch one of the following movies
a. The Blue and the Gray
b. Gods and Generals
c. Friendly Persuasion
d. Shenandoah
2. Have student interview a person from the North, a person from
the South, and an African American and ask each this question; “Do
you feel the Civil War has any relevance to you today?” Have student
record each response for class discussion.
Where the Road Begins, Tattered Glory, and A Difference of Opinion
may be purchased at
www.nancydane.com
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