The Hempstead County Historical Society met on Tuesday (4-28) in the Tailgaters’ meeting room. Joshua Williams opened the meeting and noted there was severe weather north of Hope. He noted the historical society has sold 5 griddles for $100 each. Williams asked the historical society members if it was ok to use $100 of that to put signs up saying that “these places matter”. He said they would be put near the Hope Farmers Market Pavillion, in Ozan, and in Washington. Williams also noted there is a “Wizard of Oz” themed dinner for the Tastes of Hope event planned for October 3rd. The event will be hosted by the Hope Downtown Network.
Dr. Carl Drexler of SAU station of the Arkansas Archeological Survey was the special guest. He has conducted many archeological digs for Hempstead County. He does archeology for battlefields, mainly for the Civil War era. Drexler said Pea Ridge is the most documented battlefield. He discussed The Camden Expedition, which was a campaign that was attempted by the northern Civil War forces. Drexler showed a map of the Prairie D’Ane Civil War sites. He said the map wasn’t too accurate, citing a road that wasn’t there and land topography that was wrong. Drexler also showed a map of an area near Prescott that they had tried to survey. He said they ran into honey locusts and bush hogged land that hindered archeology efforts. Drexler also showed a military road a Confederate leader had mapped out. He showed a picture of cannon ball charge pieces. Drexler also showed a cross section of a cannon ball that was used by the Confederates during the Civil War. Another photo Drexler showed depicted a bullet than spun as it was fired from the barrel. He the north had a problem with friendly fire from a rotation device that was fired.
The floor was opened up for questions. Joshua Williams asked how many soldiers were on the Prescott battlefield. Mr. Drexler confirmed there was around 18,000 soldiers on the field at once.
There were no more questions and the meeting was adjourned.
