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Impact of Carpetbaggers and Scalawags

Feb 12, 2025

Carpetbaggers and Scalawags - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Introduction

  • Carpetbaggers and Scalawags were terms used during the post-Civil War era in the Southern United States, particularly in Arkansas.
  • They played significant roles in the Reconstruction era following the Civil War.

Carpetbaggers

Definition

  • Carpetbaggers: Northern individuals, often Republicans, who moved to the South after the Civil War.
  • Term refers to the carpet material used to make travel bags.

Characteristics

  • Mostly former Union soldiers and Radical Republicans.
  • Viewed negatively by Southerners as opportunists exploiting the South's defeat.

Notable Carpetbaggers

  • Thomas Meade Bowen: Lawyer and Union general.
  • Powell Clayton: Engineer and Union general, later governor and U.S. senator.
  • John McClure: Lawyer and former Union soldier.
  • John Newton Sarber: Lawyer and lifelong Arkansas resident post-war.
  • Stephen Dorsey: Businessman and U.S. senator from New Mexico.

Contributions

  • Established a statewide public school system in Arkansas.
  • Founded Arkansas Industrial University (now University of Arkansas).
  • Extended railroad lines, facilitating state and national connectivity.

Scalawags

Definition

  • Scalawags: Southern individuals who supported the Union and Reconstruction efforts.
  • Term implies treachery to the Southern cause.

Characteristics

  • Included Southerners who opposed secession or joined Radical Republicans.
  • Aimed to economically rebuild and innovate the post-war South.

Notable Scalawags

  • Asa Hodges: Former slave owner and supporter of Reconstruction efforts.

Political and Social Impact

Positive Legacies

  • Initiated significant educational reforms and infrastructure development.
  • Formed new counties, often honoring themselves in naming.

Political Dynamics

  • Radical Republicans divided into two factions: Minstrels and Brindletails.
  • Eventually, ex-Confederates regained political control.

Constitutional Changes

  • The 1868 Arkansas Constitution ended racial discrimination.
  • Supported public education and introduced new governance structures.
  • Replaced by the 1874 Constitution, which remains in use today.

Legacy and Terminology

  • The negative connotation of "carpetbagger" persists in Southern language.
  • "Scalawag" has reverted to its earlier meaning of "rascal."

Additional Information

  • Books for further reading:
    • DeBlack, Thomas A. "With Fire and Sword: Arkansas, 1861-1874."
    • Moneyhon, Carl H. "The Impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on Arkansas."

Additional Resources

  • Encyclopedia of Arkansas provides extensive entries on related topics and historical figures.
  • Support and participation in related events and educational activities are encouraged.