The July 28th Helena (Ar) Daily Word had an article about ABATE's continuing efforts to to restore and preserve the Confederate cemetery in that town. ABATE stands for Arkansas Bikers Aimed Toward Education.
They have been clearing brush, building road signs and installing concrete benches at the site as well as raising funds for future projects.
A battle took place by Helena on July 4, 1863, in which a larger Confederate force attacked the Union defenders to relieve pressure on Vicksburg, which, unfortunately, capitulated on hat day. Helena was being used as a supply base for the Union Vicksburg operations.
The article mentioned that there were seven Confederate generals hailing from Helena, including Patrick Cleburne, who is buried at the cemetery.
A Tip of the Kepi to ABATE. --B-R'er
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
