HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-12 historical marker information email1
Ratzlaff, Hannah K.
From:Mcateer, Stephen
Sent:Tuesday, March 12, 2024 2:12 PM
To:Ratzlaff, Hannah K.
Subject:RE: Application for Permission to Place Bench and Historical Marker in MacArthur Park
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
All markers are manufactured by a vendor selected by the Division of Arkansas Heritage (Sewah
Studio). The markers have the approximate dimensions of 42”wide x 30” high with a 7’ post and 1“
lettering and a uniform design preselected by the Department of Arkansas Heritage.
Text for the marker
Side 1:
U.S. COLORED TROOPS IN ARKANSAS
The U.S. Army began recruiting Black soldiers in 1863 and 5,526 men served in eight infantry regiments and two artillery
batteries raised in the state. These were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Arkansas Infantry Regiments (African Descent) that
in 1864 were designated the 46th, 54th, 56th, 57th, 112th and 113th U.S. Colored Troops. The 11th and 69th USCT were raised
in Arkansas, as were the 1st Arkansas Battery (Arkansas Descent) and Third Louisiana Light Artillery (African Descent), later
Batteries E and H, 2nd U.S. Colored Light Artillery. Other Black troops also served in the state, and Black soldiers fought in
28 battles and skirmishes in Arkansas.
Side 2:
1ST AND 2ND KANSAS COLORED INFANTRY REGIMENTS
Recruiting of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry began in August 1862 and its troops would win their first battle October 29,
months before the U.S. Army accepted Black troops. The 1st was formally organized Jan. 13, 1863, and the 2nd Kansas
Colored Infantry was raised August-October 1863. Both moved to Fort Smith and took part in the 1864 Camden Expedition,
where soldiers of the 1st were killed after the fighting ended at Poison Spring and the 2 nd later killed wounded Confederates
at Jenkins’ Ferry. At war’s end, the regiments had lost 222 men in combat and 377 to disease.
#45 MACARTHUR MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY / CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; DAVID F. GRUENEWALD
Stephen McAteer
Museum Supervisor
Parks MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
O: 501-376-4602 | C: 501-399-3406
SMcateer@littlerock.gov
2
From: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. <hratzlaff@littlerock.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 1:43 PM
To: Mcateer, Stephen <SMcateer@littlerock.gov>
Subject: RE: Application for Permission to Place Bench and Historical Marker in MacArthur Park
Good morning Stephen,
Apologies for the delay, somehow I missed seeing your email. Could you also send what you submitted to AHPP
for the marker and a description of the marker, i.e.: material, type of marker (ground mounted?), approximate size,
height?
Thanks,
Hannah Ratzlaff
Urban Designer
Planning
O: 501-371-4789
hratzlaff@littlerock.gov
From: Mcateer, Stephen <SMcateer@littlerock.gov>
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2024 9:36 AM
To: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. <hratzlaff@littlerock.gov>
Subject: RE: Application for Permission to Place Bench and Historical Marker in MacArthur Park
Hannah,
We’ve submitted our application for the historical maker and Ashley Sides has indicated that he sees no issues
with it. We worked with Mark Christ on development of the text. Is the attached application sufficient or do I need
to submit anything more?
Stephan
Stephen McAteer
Museum Supervisor
Parks MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
O: 501-376-4602 | C: 501-399-3406
SMcateer@littlerock.gov
From: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. <hratzlaff@littlerock.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 9:15 AM
To: Mcateer, Stephen <SMcateer@littlerock.gov>
Subject: RE: Application for Permission to Place Bench and Historical Marker in MacArthur Park
Good morning Stephan,
3
The installation of a bench and historical marker can be administratively reviewed; however, I think it is best to wait to
apply when you are able to submit the approved marker design by AHPP and bench product for documentation. When
you have this, please provide a completed COA application without the bottom section cut off. I don’t see any issues
with either installation, just need the necessary support documents.
Thanks,
Hannah Ratzlaff
Urban Designer
Planning
O: 501-371-4789
hratzlaff@littlerock.gov
From: Mcateer, Stephen <SMcateer@littlerock.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 4:34 PM
To: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. <hratzlaff@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Application for Permission to Place Bench and Historical Marker in MacArthur Park
Hannah,
Good afternoon. I hope you had a great holiday! Attached is an application for permission
to place a historical marker and bench behind the MacArthur Museum along the eastern
perimeter of the historic parade grounds. The bench would be the black metal design already
used throughout the park. The historical marker would commemorate the contributions of
African American soldiers in the Civil War. Both would be placed on the north east corner of
the parade grounds among the existing markers, between the brick sidewalk and the parking
lot (outside the property covered by a conservation easement with the state). We plan to
apply for an Arkansas Historical Marker Program grant with AHPP and work with them on the
interpretive text for the signage. I’ve talked with Leland Couch and secured his permission to
proceed with this project. Since the area covered is not visible to the surrounding streets, we
request approval at the staff level for a COC. Please let me know if you have any questions or
concerns. Thanks so much for your assistance.
Stephan
Stephan McAteer
Museum Supervisor
Parks MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
O: 501-376-4602 | C: 501-399-3406
SMcateer@littlerock.gov