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This Day in Arkansas History

June 8, 1819

John Wilson Martin was born in Harrison County, Virginia, and went to New Orleans, Louisiana, around 1843 to attend lectures at Tulane University. He was settled in Warren (Bradley County) by 1848, when he married and established what became a flourishing medical practice. It was said that Martin would ride by “horseback all day to reach the frequently remote residences” of the sick. Stories abound of his nightlong rides around the countryside to reach wounded Confederate soldiers while trying to avoid Union patrols. Oral tradition maintains that he began building the John Wilson Martin house for his family in 1862. The house is the oldest surviving residence in Warren and has been renovated for use as the Bradley County Historical Museum.

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USS Mound City

The 510-ton Union ironclad the USS Mound City, shown here late in the Civil War, was involved in what has been called the “most deadly shot” of the war. While participating in the Engagement at St. Charles on the White River on June 17, 1862, the vessel took a single shot to the steam drum. Escaping steam scalded many of the crew, ultimately resulting in 105 deaths and forty-four injuries. Disabled and towed to safety, the ship was repaired and served until war’s end, when it was sold at auction and salvaged.

 

The 510-ton Union ironclad the USS Mound City, shown here late in the Civil War, was involved in what has been called the “most deadly shot” of the war. While participating in the Engagement at St. Charles on the White River on June 17, 1862, the vessel took a single shot to the steam drum. Escaping steam scalded many of the crew, ultimately resulting in 105 deaths and forty-four injuries. Disabled and towed to safety, the ship was repaired and served until war’s end, when it was sold at auction and salvaged.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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