Date Original
1860-1898
Description
This collection documents the activities of General Dandridge McRae during the Civil War. It contains a variety of material, including correspondence, narratives, reports/orders, and rolls/lists. Except for items described as "typescript" or "original," the papers are comprised of handwritten copies (apparently copied by Mrs. McRae) of documents from Dandridge McRae's personal collection.
Biographical/Historical Note
Dandridge McRae was born in Baldwin County, Alabama, on October 10, 1829, and came to Arkansas (Red River Township, White County) in 1849. He moved to Searcy in 1853 and began practicing law there in 1854. In 1856, he was elected County and Circuit Clerk and served for six years. McRae became actively involved in organizing troops in 1861 during preparations for the Civil War. Many companies reported to McRae at the outset of fighting, and he took command of them at the request of Confederate General Ben McCulloch. McRae organized a regiment and was made its colonel. He served under McCulloch at Wilson's Creek, Missouri, Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Corinth, Mississippi. McRae returned to Arkansas in 1862, raised another regiment, and was then assigned to command a brigade. Another promotion to Brigadier General in 1862 gave McRae the rank at which he served until the end of the war. He played an important role at the Battle of Helena, capturing the only fortification taken by the Confederacy during that engagement. McRae also participated in battles at Jenkins Ferry and Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Following the war, he returned to his law practice in Searcy and later held several positions in government. Dandridge McRae died April 23, 1899, and is buried in Searcy. The town of McRae, Arkansas, was named for him.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Arkansas; Missouri
Language
English
Identifier
MS.000229
Resource Type
Text
Collection
Dandridge McRae papers, MS.000229
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Dandridge McRae papers, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History
