A disputed election. Two men claiming to be governor of Arkansas. Clashes between armed loyalists throughout the state. This was the backdrop that led to the Battle of Palarm in May 1874 during the Brooks–Baxter War. At this site, supporters of Joseph Brooks attacked the steamboat Hallie on the Arkansas River to prevent supporters of Elisha Baxter from intercepting a shipment of weapons. The battle resulted in the deaths of several men and the ruin of a steamboat.

This tour is not a historic preservation story, because there is no historic structure at the battle site, but AHPP is participating with other agencies of Arkansas Heritage to share with you this strange episode of Arkansas history on the 150th anniversary of the Brooks-Baxter War.