Battle of Elkin's Ferry

The Battle of Elkin's Ferry, also known as Engagement at Elkin's Ferry, was fought in Clark and Nevada counties in Arkansas as part of the Camden Expedition, during the American Civil War.

Prelude

Major-General Frederick Steele had the 3rd Division of the Seventh Army Corps and two cavalry brigades under his command, whereas Brigadier-General John Marmaduke had three cavalry brigades under his command. During the Camden expedition, Federal forces had to ford the Little Missouri River because all of the bridges were impassable.

Battle

With all the bridges across the river destroyed, Steele ordered Brigadier-General Frederick Salomon, commanding the Third Division, to take and hold a ford known as Elkin's Ferry on the afternoon of April 2, 1864. The 43rd Indiana was tasked with this objective, supported by elements of the 36th Iowa Infantry and the 2nd Missouri Light Artillery. Following a forced march, the 43rd arrived at the crossing after dark that evening, crossed the river, and set up defensive positions while awaiting the rest of Steele's army.
Opposing the Federal advance was a division of three cavalry brigades under Marmaduke—about 7500 troopers altogether. Marmaduke ordered Brigadier-General Joseph Shelby to attack the 43rd and take back the ford. Federal Colonel William McLean states what happened next:

Aftermath

Losses on both sides in the Battle of Elkin's Ferry were light, with 18 Confederate soldiers killed and 50 wounded, and with 30 Union soldiers wounded. On the evening of April 4, Shelby's brigade joined Marmaduke, and together they withdrew 16 miles south to Prairie D'Ane the following morning.

Battlefield preservation

The American Battlefield Trust and its partners have acquired and preserved 442 acres at the Elkin's Ferry Battlefield.