In 1846 the United States declared war on Mexico. This two-year conflict, often overshadowed in American history by the Civil War, found its roots in the pursuit of Manifest Destiny.

Beginning with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Americans spent the first half of the 19th century moving westward into new territories like Arkansas and Louisiana that eventually became states. Americans’ thirst for land was matched only by a near missionary zeal to spread their form of government.

In the 1830s, the U.S. began to consider acquiring part of Mexico’s territory, whose northern border then stretched to Oregon. Mexico’s government, historically unstable and politically divisive, was overseen by a more than a dozen presidents from 1824–1844. One constant during this time was Mexican leaders’ growing distrust of their ever-expanding northern neighbor. These differences eventually resulted in war.

Arkansas was ready to fight when the war began. Volunteers quickly signed on, fueled by geographical proximity, patriotism, and anger over the death of a fellow Arkansan in the conflict. The state’s involvement throughout the war was marked by highs and lows and ultimately resulted in lingering controversy.

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