This area contributed a large number of military companies to the Confederacy; indeed, several regiments were comprised wholly or substantially of southwest Arkansas companies. The economic hub of the area was the town of Washington, in Hempstead County. The area was relatively prosperous, and the population included some fairly wealthy, educated and politically-connected families. Towns like Dallas, Ultima Thule, Paraclifta, etc., were larger then, and served as the organizational rendezvous for several companies of volunteers. Companies organized there recruited not only the residents of the towns, but also large numbers of men from the surrounding country. The residents of this area were early and enthusiastic supporters of the Confederate cause.
There were at least four artillery companies organized in southwest Arkansas -- at Dallas, Lewisville, Magnolia and Washington.
Hart's Battery (1st organization) -- the one known as the Dallas Artillery -- lost most of its records at Pea Ridge. The names of only a dozen or so men can now be identified definitely as members of the first organization. All of them were Polk County men. Captain Hart himself was a resident of Washington, Arkansas, in the 1860 census.
Hart's Battery (2nd organization) -- the post-Pea Ridge company -- had no connection with the 1st organization or with Polk County, except for Hart himself. The 1st organization had been disbanded after the battle, and the men scattered to the four winds. The 2nd organization was organized at Camp White Sulphur Springs in August 1862, comprised of details from the infantry regiments there, as well as men recruited at-large.
Hart's Battery (3rd organization) -- actually the reconstituted 2nd organization, after being exchanged following their capture at Arkansas Post in January 1863.