“Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed.” Peter S. Beagle

In 1797, one of Northwest Arkansas’s most prominent citizens was born in the state of Tennessee: Archibald Yell.

Yell epitomized the pioneer spirit and innate toughness required to help transform the area from a territory that was part and parcel of the Louisiana purchase into statehood in the mid-1830s.

Yell’s exploits during his half century on this  earth is the stuff of legends — he was a sergeant in the War of 1812 (Battle of New Orleans), then went on to serve as a first lieutenant  in the First Seminole War, then finished his illustrious military career as a Colonel in the Mexican War.

Despite his military service, Col. Yell was first and foremost a statesmen — he first came to Arkansas in 1831; President Andrew Jackson, who had favorably noted Yell for his service during the War of 1812, appointed him as the Receiver of Public Monies in Little Rock.

Forced to return to Tennessee shortly thereafter because of  a bout of malaria, he returned in 1835 when he was appointed as a territorial circuit judge. That same year he built a home and law office in Washington County. As Arkansas made the transition from territory to state, Yell was instrumental in helping draft a state constitution.

From 1840-1844, he served as second governor of Arkansas – he resigned at that point and returned to Fayetteville and began practicing law with his partner, David Walker.  As fate would have it, he ran against and ultimately defeated Walker in the congressional race the same year he left his gubernatorial position.

Law office of Archibald Yell

Ever the quintessential patriot, Yell volunteered as a private during the Mexican War — he rose up the ranks and became a Colonel. Serving in this capacity, he had a difficult time maintaining discipline among his troops.

Although his reputation suffered as a result of the antics of his infamous group of soldiers, Yell redeemed himself during one of the final battles of the War.

Santa Ana ordered General Zachary Taylor to surrender at Buena Vista — after Taylor refused, all hell broke loose.  One newspaper reporter described the carnage that ensued as follows:

“. . .Imagine, for a moment, a battery charged almost to the muzzle with musket balls and slugs, fired three times into a dense mass of men and horses, at a distance of two hundred yards, and you can form some idea of the slaughter!”

Another newspaper account described Yell’s heroism, despite the desertion of a good number of Arkansas troops – his account describes Yell’s valiant effort to lead a charge against over a thousand Mexican soldiers, sword in hand.  After becoming “restive,” Yell’s horse led him right into the middle of the din — he perished after a lancet attack — the kill wound pierced his skull.

Tombstone of Archibald Yell. Although originally interred on the Yell farm, his remains, along with this original monument, were later relocated to Evergreen Cemetery in Fayetteville.

Despite his heroism, Yell wasn’t without his flaws: he purportedly had a hot temper, with a penchant for engaging in duels and various other brawls. Reports of his inability to rein in his soldiers also damaged his reputation, as did his unwillingness to directly face the issues confronting him as a Congressman.

But that’s as it should be — heroes, are after all, human; their flaws serve to make their courageous acts seem more attainable to the masses.

Home of David Walker, law partner of Archibald Yell