The Battle of Helena, the Little Rock Campaign, and the Capture of Fort Smith, 1863

The Battle of Helena, the Little Rock Campaign, and the capture of Fort Smith led to Union control over the Arkansas River Valley and most of Arkansas to the north of the river. Militarily this resulted in impeding Confederate operations in Missouri, the establishment of a potential base of operations for Union campaigns in Texas, and easier logistical support for Union forces in Indian Territory. A major result of these movements was the emancipation of thousands of slaves. Politically they brought a restoration of a pro-Union government in Arkansas. The occupation of Little Rock produced renewed economic prosperity and, under the benevolent policies of Union Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, a return of normal social activity among the civilian population, though producing privation and disruption of gender and age roles in the surrounding countryside.