Date Original
1868 November 4
Description
This collection contains a proclamation from Governor Powell Clayton proclaiming martial law in Ashley, Bradley, Columbia, Lafayette, Mississippi, Woodruff, Craighead, Green, Sevier, and Little River Counties, due to Ku Klux Klan activity.
Biographical/Historical Note
Powell Clayton (1833-1914) was a Union general who settled in Arkansas after the Civil War and became governor during the Reconstruction period. He participated in the Battle of Helena, the campaign against Little Rock, and the Camden Expedition. After the war, he entered politics in Arkansas by helping to form the state's Republican Party and was inaugurated governor on July 2, 1868. Soon after, there was an outbreak of violence from the KKK against African Americans and Republicans, including an assassination attempt against Clayton himself. He responded to this by organizing the State Melita and declaring martial law in parts of the state, which was effective.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Ashley County (Ark.); Bradley County (Ark.); Columbia County (Ark.); Lafayette County (Ark.); Mississippi County (Ark.); Woodruff County (Ark.); Craighead County (Ark.); Green County (Ark.); Sevier County (Ark.); Little River County (Ark.)
Language
English
Identifier
SMC.OV.091
Resource Type
Text
Collection
Governor Powell Clayton proclamation, SMC.OV.091
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Governor Powell Clayton proclamation, 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
