Gallery: Battles of Helena & Little Rock
Thomas Hindman Residence
This photograph depicts the Thomas Hindman residence at Helena, Arkansas; “Hindman residence & soldiers quarters (sheds shown) on hill slope on outskirts of Helena in 1862-64-taken over as officers headquarters” is written on the reverse.
Confederate General Thomas C. Hindman assumed command of the Trans-Mississippi District (Arkansas, Missouri, and the Indian Territory) on May 31, 1862. He intended to reestablish a viable Confederate presence in the region—a daunting task after the Confederate defeat at Pea Ridge, considering that General Earl Van Dorn’s beaten army had withdrawn to the east side of the Mississippi and Union General Samuel R. Curtis’ army had marched through northern Arkansas.
Hindman declared martial law throughout the district and immediately began issuing orders. The new commander burned cotton to keep it from the Federals, established facilities to produce military goods, enforced the Conscription Act, dismissed incompetent officers, and recruited partisan fighters. Despite public opposition, Hindman continued his successful methods.
Hindman’s accomplishments were impressive. “His genius was especially administrative,” remarked a Confederate officer. “Nothing escaped his vigilance and his energy. Resources, arms, supplies and army sprang into being almost by the magic of his will.” In a matter of a few weeks, Hindman created an army and supply system practically from scratch.
Many well-to-do Arkansans complained to President Jefferson Davis, but he rejected their demands that Hindman be removed. Davis did decide to place Hindman under the command of a less controversial commander, and chose Major General Theophilus H. Holmes, a classmate from West Point.
After serving in a number of bloody battles on both sides of the Mississippi, including Prairie Grove, Chickamauga, Resaca and New Hope Church, Hindman ended the war in Arkansas and Mississippi. With the coming of peace, he fled to Mexico, but returned to his home in Helena in 1867. He was assassinated the following year by unknown assailants.
The photograph is from the album of Captain Thomas Abel, 56th U. S. Colored Infantry, who was assigned post and garrison duties in Helena after the battle.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30785-M
