Fort Simmons

Fort Simmons was one of nine Civil War fortifications constructed in 1863-64 by Confederate soldiers and slaves under the command of Camden lawyer Colonel Alexander Hawthorn. These square earthworks faced west and held as many as six artillery pieces. Located on a high knoll near the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and McCullough Street, it commanded any approach along the main Washington Road about one-half mile to the south and west, and it was fronted by entrenchments. The fort was named for Camden resident “Pap” Simmons, who ran a tin shop on the property. It was regarded as the most likely approach of attack from the north and west, making its key position one to be protected at all cost. Union soldiers improved the fortification during their brief occupation of Camden in April 1864, but the fort has completely disappeared as a victim of urban sprawl.

Camden, Arkansas · United States