The Battle of Marks' Mills occurred during the American Civil War as part of a wider strategy by Confederate forces to cut off Union supply lines and control key territories in Arkansas. On April 25, 1864, Confederate General John S. Marmaduke commanded an attack on Union forces stationed at Marks' Mills. The Union troops, numbering around 1,800, were stationed to protect supply routes when they were confronted by Marmaduke's 8,000 soldiers, who were intent on seizing Union supplies and weakening their presence in the area.

The battle commenced in the early morning hours, catching the Union forces by surprise as they were mainly focused on the logistical aspects of supply protection. The Confederate troops swiftly engaged, utilizing their superior numbers to encircle and overwhelm the Union soldiers. The terrain and situational chaos added to the challenges faced by the Union defenders. Within hours, the battle resulted in a devastating defeat for the Union side, with approximately 1,500 of their soldiers either killed or wounded, further compounding the challenges faced by the Union in the Arkansas region.

This defeat had immediate operational implications for the Union army, which lost significant personnel and resources. The Confederate victory at Marks' Mills bolstered morale among Confederate troops and contributed to ongoing operations in the area, evidencing the strategic importance of transport routes and supply lines throughout the conflict. The battle at Marks' Mills would serve as a reminder of the ferocity and unpredictability of the combat experienced during the Civil War, showcasing how quickly the balance could shift on the battlefield.