Jacksonport was one of the main mustering points for the Confederate army in Arkansas, and throughout the Civil War both armies contended for possession of this strategic port at the center of the White and Black river trade. The Confederate attack on Helena was planned here in 1863 by Generals Sterling Price and Theophilus H. Holmes. At various times Jacksonport served as headquarters for military leaders including Frederick Steele, Earl Van Dorn, John S. Marmaduke, Dandridge McRae, and Jo Shelby.