An antebellum Ozark community and the Civil War

Abstract: Excavation of the Mount Comfort Church site was conducted during Arkansas Archeology Week in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Analysis of archeological features and over 6,000 artifacts assigned to the Built Environment Contextual Group, including nail and windowpane glass distributions, plus historical comparisons, indicate a symmetrical-plan, 33 foot by 33 foot square brick building with an east-facing front door and portico. The brick building was then altered to add a small (10 foot by 27 foot) wood-frame room on the north side. Recovered artifacts from 33 excavation units support documentary evidence of the building's use as a church and school in the 1840s and as a military camp and hospital during the Civil War. At least part of the building was destroyed by fire, with evidence of extensive salvage of brick and other reusable materials.