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This Day in Arkansas History

April 10, 1945

A tornado destroyed Camp Magnolia. The camp, established near Magnolia (Columbia County) as a civilian work camp for conscientious objectors to military service, occupied the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp and housed about 400 men whose religious and personal beliefs made them oppose combat duty. Their presence was resented by some local people, as evidenced by the local newspaper’s headline the day after the tornado: “God Strikes the Conchies” (“conchie” being a disparaging term for conscientious objector). After the tornado, residents of the camp were transferred to other camps in the nation.

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James Berry

Arkansas governor James Henderson Berry joined the Confederate Sixteenth Arkansas Infantry in 1861 and was quickly chosen as its lieutenant colonel. His initiation to combat came at the Battle of Pea Ridge. After his regiment was moved east of the Mississippi River, he fought in the 1862 battles of Iuka and Corinth, Mississippi. At Corinth, a severe wound resulted in the amputation of his right leg above the knee. Captured and eventually paroled, he returned home. After the war, he was an active member of the United Confederate Veterans and was a frequent reunion speaker.

 

Arkansas governor James Henderson Berry joined the Confederate Sixteenth Arkansas Infantry in 1861 and was quickly chosen as its lieutenant colonel. His initiation to combat came at the Battle of Pea Ridge. After his regiment was moved east of the Mississippi River, he fought in the 1862 battles of Iuka and Corinth, Mississippi. At Corinth, a severe wound resulted in the amputation of his right leg above the knee. Captured and eventually paroled, he returned home. After the war, he was an active member of the United Confederate Veterans and was a frequent reunion speaker.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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