The Poison Springs Battle Ground, less than three miles westward, was the scene of an important action that contributed to the retreat of the Federal Army under General Steele from Camden and south Arkansas to Little Rock. A surprise attack by the Confederates on April 18, 1864, caused serious loss to the Northern forces in men, needed food supplies, and live stock, with only slight loss to the Southern forces. It immediately preceded the very bloody battle at Jenkins Ferry on the Saline River.