Fort Hovey (Fort Curtis) facts for kids
Fort Hovey was a small fort built during the American Civil War. It was made of earth and wood. The fort stood on a hill. From this hill, soldiers could see the roads leading to Ironton, Missouri and Fredericktown, Missouri.
The main goal of Fort Hovey was to help protect the Arcadia Valley. It also guarded the important iron mines located on Pilot Knob. The fort was on a place called Fort Hill, near the town of Arcadia, Missouri. This land was once owned by a church. The fort was named after Colonel Charles Edward Hovey, who led the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment for the Union. His troops built the fort in late 1861 and early 1862.
A New Name: Fort Curtis
After the Union won the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas on March 8, 1862, Fort Hovey got a new name. It was renamed Fort Curtis. This was done to honor Brig. Gen. Samuel Ryan Curtis, who led the Union forces to victory.
Fort Curtis was used by Union soldiers until 1864. That year, Confederate troops moved into Missouri. The Union soldiers then left Fort Curtis. They moved to Fort Davidson, which was about 2.5 miles north in Pilot Knob. Confederate soldiers briefly used Fort Curtis as a lookout spot. This happened just before, during, and after the big fight known as the Battle of Pilot Knob.
Today, you can find a special marker at the spot where Fort Hovey/Fort Curtis once stood.
Where Was Fort Curtis?
The site of Fort Curtis in Arcadia, Missouri, is on Church Street. It is close to where Missouri State Highway 21 and Missouri State Highway 72 meet. The exact location is N37°35'25" W90°37'35".
Another Fort Curtis?
There was also another Union fort named Fort Curtis. This fort was in Helena, Arkansas. It was used during the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863. Helena, Arkansas, is a town located right on the Mississippi River.
You can find a historic marker for this Fort Curtis on Perry Street in Helena. It is just a short walk east of the intersection of Perry and Columbia Streets. This fort was also named to honor Brig. General Samuel R. Curtis. The land where this fort once stood is now occupied by the First Baptist Church of Helena and the Sidney H. Horner House.
