Civil War batteries of Helena, Arkansas, Civil War fortifications in Helena, Arkansas.

The Civil War Batteries of Helena are four earthwork fortifications positioned on hills surrounding the town to defend against attacks. They control the main roads leading to this Mississippi River settlement and offer views across the landscape.

Union forces under General Benjamin Prentiss built the four hilltop batteries—A, B, C and D—in late June 1863, after occupying Helena in 1862 and using it as a staging point for the Siege of Vicksburg. On July 4, 1863, Confederates under Lieutenant-General Theophilus H. Holmes attacked; felled trees broke up their columns, and fire from all four batteries and the gunboats drove them back, though Battery C briefly fell.

The batteries are named simply A, B, C and D, and each is listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Helena Battlefield. Battery C's hill is locally called Graveyard Hill and is now a city park; its eastern slope was cut away in the 1930s for levee construction.

The best location to visit is Hindman Hill, where Battery D preserves the most complete remains and provides views across the terrain. The site is spread across hillsides, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful for exploring the area.

During the July 1863 assault, attacking forces suffered roughly 1,600 casualties while defenders lost about 239. This stark difference in losses reveals how effective these fortified positions were in repelling attackers.