December 14, 1862

Patrick Cleburne, the highest-ranking Irish-born officer in American military history, was promoted to major general. Cleburne entered the Civil War as commander of the Yell Rifles, which became part of the First Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Cleburne County was named for General Cleburne, who died in the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, in 1864. He was memorialized at the request of Cleburne County men who fought under his leadership.