The Confederate Heritage and History Month Proclamation

WHEREAS: Our country is a nation of people united by a common history of individual heritage and diverse cultures and Garland County is rich in history of the War Between the States; and

WHEREAS: Garland County was established by the Arkansas General Assembly on April 5, 1873, Garland County was formed from portions of Saline, Hot Spring and Montgomery Counties, with Hot Springs as the county seat. Garland County is named after then ex-Confederate Senator Augustus Hill Garland for his service to the Southern People; and

WHEREAS: Arkansas had a little over 750 engagements, some in present day Garland County. Engagements such as "Celebrate" Springs, Farr’s Mill, Mountain Fork, Devil’s Pass, Blowout Mountain and Hot Springs; and

WHEREAS: Arkansas provided no fewer than 65,000 soldiers to the Confederacy, many came back to present day Garland County. Men such as Henry Rector, Dr. James M. Keller, Dr. A.S. Garrnett, George Grey Latta, Jessie and Frank James along with the Akins, Nobles, Gates, Blockers and numerous others helped make Garland County and Hot Springs grow after the War Between the States destroyed most civilized life; and

WHEREAS: Hot Springs in Garland County became the Capital of the State of Arkansas, under Governor Rector for a brief time during the War Between the States; and

WHEREAS: Present day Garland County mustered into service 96 Men in July 1861 to form the Company F, Third Arkansas Calvary, which rode with Gen. "Fighting" Joe Wheeler; and

WHEREAS: Garland County to this day has descendents of Confederate soldiers living, working, and visiting our County enriching our lives with their Heritage and understanding of the War Between the States; and

WHEREAS: We, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Garland-Rector Camp #1260 of Hot Springs is dedicated to honoring on a countywide basis those Southerners who have made our home land great.

THEREFORE: I, Judge Larry William,  of Garland County  proclaim April as Confederate Heritage and History Month and encourage all residents to increase their knowledge of the role played by the Confederate States of America in the history of our great nation.