Lewisburg, Arkansas facts for kids
Lewisburg, Arkansas was once a busy town in southern Conway County, Arkansas. It was founded in 1825 by William Lewis as a trading post. For many years, from 1831 to 1883, Lewisburg was the main town, or 'county seat,' for Conway County. Later, Morrilton became the new county seat.
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The Story of Lewisburg, Arkansas
Lewisburg was a lively place, growing to nearly 2,000 residents by the 1860s. It was located right along the Arkansas River, which was important for trade and travel.
Lewisburg During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Lewisburg became a significant spot. Union soldiers stayed in the town from September 1863 to August 1865. There were some small fights and conflicts in the area, which was common in many towns along the river during the war. A small battle in early 1865 helped bring an end to the war activities in Conway County, even before the main war ended.
Challenges After the War
After the Civil War, Lewisburg faced some tough times. In 1868, there was conflict between local groups, which led to big fires in the town. Because of these problems, the governor at the time, Powell Clayton, declared 'martial law' in December 1868. This meant the military took control to help keep order.
Changes and Decline
Over time, Lewisburg's importance as a river crossing point began to fade.
- In 1875, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad was built, but it didn't go through Lewisburg. This meant people and goods traveled by train instead of through the town.
- Later, in 1919, a bridge was built across the river. This bridge helped traffic go directly to places like Oppelo and other towns south of the river, bypassing Lewisburg even more.
Today, the area where Lewisburg once stood is now a neighborhood in the southeastern part of modern-day Morrilton.
