Eunice, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eunice, Arkansas
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Looking north on the Mississippi River from Eunice
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 Eunice, Arkansas
Location in Arkansas
Eunice, Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Chicot |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 61708 |
Eunice was once a small town in Chicot County, Arkansas. It was also known as Eunice Landing or Railroad Township. This settlement was located right on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Today, Eunice is a ghost town, meaning it no longer exists. It was completely destroyed during the American Civil War.
History of Eunice
Eunice was an important spot for the first railroad in Arkansas. This railroad was called the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red River Railroad. It was planned to connect the Mississippi River to other rivers.
Building the Railroad
Work on the railroad started in 1852. By the time the Civil War began, about 7 miles (11 km) of track had been built. This track went west from Eunice. After the war, the railroad was finally finished. However, it did not last long.
In 1875, the Mississippi River flooded badly. The flood damaged the railroad tracks and bridges. Because of this damage, the railroad had to be closed down. Today, part of Arkansas Highway 208 follows the path of the old railroad. It runs between Eunice and Halley.
Eunice During the Civil War
Eunice played a small but dramatic role in the American Civil War. On June 14, 1863, Confederate soldiers were in Eunice. They fired their cannons at a Union gunboat. This ship was called the USS Marmora. The Marmora fired back at the town. Then, it stopped and anchored near Eunice.
The very next morning, another Union gunboat arrived. This ship was the Nebraska. As it came closer, it was also fired upon from Eunice. Both the Marmora and the Nebraska then began to bombard the town. They fired many cannonballs into Eunice.
After the bombardment, Union soldiers went ashore. They set fire to the stores, houses, and the railroad station. The entire town was destroyed. The commander of the Marmora later reported that "not a single vestige of the town of Eunice remains." No Confederate soldiers were found in the town after the attack.
Eunice Today
Today, there is nothing left of the original town of Eunice. The area where it once stood is now home to the Yellow Bend Port. This is a modern port used for shipping and industry. It has a harbor and a turning basin for large boats.
