The Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society has been approved by the executive committee of Heritage Trail Partners (HTP) to use their signs and logo.

The society sent in the necessary paperwork with a $25 application fee to HTP, which was accepted and approved on April 16, 2008. It is the intent of the society to work with Brownsville in Lonoke County and Jacksonville and North Little Rock in Pulaski County to mark the Memphis to Little Rock Road.

These signs are very attractive, featuring a white background with the logo being red with gold trim. The logo itself says “Heritage Trail Partners,” stacked with three circular pictures above the word “Heritage” depicting the use of the road as a stage and mail route, its military importance and its role in Indian removal. It would be nice if this theme could be extended to Memphis.

The society has two Boy Scouts of America Eagle projects underway. Mark Baklawski of Troop 355 has taken as his project the construction of a 12’ x 24’ pavilion. Stage one, developing a plan and cost estimate, has been completed and stage two, consisting of donations of labor and materials plus fund-raising, is underway.

BSA Eagle project number two is being done by Neil Graham, also of Troop 355. Neil has taken maintenance of McCraw Cemetery as his project, which includes cutting and mowing, cleaning tombstones and erecting a split-rail fence at the entrance of the cemetery.

There will be a re-enactment of the August 27, 1863, Battle of Reed’s Bridge on the weekend of August 29, 30 and 31. Re-enactors will begin setting up camp on Friday the 29th, a mock battle will take place on Saturday the 30th during the day, and Saturday evening a dance using period dress and music will be held. Church services on Sunday morning at the bridge will close the event.