Union forces first entered Arkansas in March 1862 in the Northwest corner where the battle of Pea Ridge was fought.  The Union forces withdrew with no territory occupied.  Begining in June, 1862, Federal forces advance down the White River valley, occupying Batesville and then moving to occupy Helena on the Mississippi River in July, 1862.  Over the next 3 years, the area north of the Arkansas River was occupied and reoccupied as both sides moved back and forth.  At the same time, all the west bank of the Mississippi was progessively occupied during 1862 and 1863.  However, despite forays by the Union, the Confederacy held the Southwest 1/3 of the State until the end of the war.

This page will feature covers and explanation of how the mail was moved for individual soldiers, military units, and civilians living in the occupied areas during the period from 1862 to 1865.  Updated 12/23/07.