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.