Arrowheads found in the fields near Walter's Chapel suggest that before the pioneers arrived, Indians either lived here or that the area was frequented by tribal hunting parties. Prior to 1859 the name of this community was "Walnut Plains" probably due to existence of native walnut trees. Located at the edge of the woods and adjoining the Grand Prairie, this area would have been a hunter's paradise. Files located at the Arkansas History Commission on The Works Project Administration Federal Writers' Project for Prairie County record that some writers place Indian villages in Prairie County when DeSoto arrived. On November 10, 1808, a treaty was signed at Ft. Clark, Missouri and the Osage tribe ceded to the U.S. their lands in the territory obtained by the Louisiana Purchase made in 1803 and relinquished their land North of the Arkansas River and West from the Mississippi River. This would have included "Walnut Plains"!

William B. Stanton and Elisha Cleveland were the community's earliest land owners (1822). Together they owned the eastern half of Section 13, 3 North, 7 West which is the geographic location of Walter's Chapel Church and Cemetery. Elisha Cleveland received his 160 acres through Military Bounty Land Warrant #17861, Act of 1812. Between 1830 and 1850 few people lived in the area; however, a significant number came in the 1850's having obtained land through military bounty land grants, the re-issue of land given to the State for railroads, or outright purchase since land was cheap ($2.50 an acre). These early settlers came from the Carolinas, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee and moved to the area in groups composed of family and neighbors as was the custom of the time. Some of the family names were Booe, Horton, Nichols and Bogard. After crossing the Father of Waters, the great Mississippi, they would have followed a few rutted out "roads". Rains would make these early dirt "roads" impossible to pass. If traveling by water, they came to the Arkansas River via the Mississippi River, then probably to the White River to Des Arc or DeValls Bluff.

Initially, Thomas B. Walter was a major land owner in the adjoining section (Section 18, Range 3 North, 6 West) in what is now Prairie County. By 1857 he had also purchased much of Section 13, Range 3 North, 7 West, Walter's Chapel's geographic location. He died after selling his Prairie County properties. Monroe County Probate Records Court dated 4/11/1859 state, "John H. Bulls bought the E l/2 13, 3n7w (320 acres) except 3 acres in a square near west line NE where a new church is in process of erection, from Thomas B. Walter during Walter's life time and took title bond…". This log Church would have been one of the first churches built in what is now Lonoke County. John W. Hudson probably preached the first service.

Thomas B. Walter's tombstones now lies broken, flat against the ground near the large old cedar tree in the front part of the cemetery. Thomas B. Walter or his daughter (who is buried next to him) were probably the first buried at Walter's Chapel (circa 1859). They are the oldest surviving tombstones. A "Thomas H. Walter" is also buried at Walter's Chapel (born 09-05-1846, died 12-11-1870) and may be the "Thomas B." who was listed with Sarah A., Walter's wife, in the Monroe County Census of 1860. Thomas Walter's tombstone indicates that he was 57 years old at the time of his death and that he was a Mason. At the bottom of his tombstone is the notation "Julie Hyde, Napoleon" (which is probably a reference to Napoleon, Arkansas which was located at the mouth of the Arkansas River on the Mississippi.

Prior to the Civil War there were many social gatherings at Walter's Chapel. The June 29, 1859 Des Arc Citizen contained an article about an Independence Day Barbecue, a free barbecue no less. Mr. Gantt of Brownsville was orator of the day and A. McNeill read the Declaration of Independence. The paper reports that the affair was well attended .

The number of persons living in this area prior to the Civil War can probably best be judged by the size of community's civil organizations. Walnut Plains had a Chapter of the Blue Mason (Lodge No. 137) as early as 1859. Members were Willie Nichols, T.C. Williamson, J. H. Bulls, A.G. Cummins, W. T. Bencham, Samuel Kennedy, John Cummins, H. M. Westmoreland , J. B. Blanton, D. D. Ross, S. J. Kennedy, J. C. Cannon, L. W. Hutson, B. T. Hill, O.A. Reeves, James M. Williamson, and J. C. Cummins. The 1859 Prairie County Agricultural Society also met at Walnut Plains Lodge with the following: C. A. Skillern, B.M. Barnes, C. C. Danley, S.R. Brown, Jesse C. Bogard (of the Walter's Chapel Community), George A. Melver, W. W. Wair, J. E. Gatewood, J. W. Martin, L.D. Harshaw, Russ Evans and George W. Vaden.

While no battles took place at Walter's Chapel, the effects of the War Between the States was felt in the small community. The Civil War took many of the community's men off to fight. No battles took place near Walter's Chapel; however, a couple of Confederate Soldiers are buried just north of Walter's Chapel. It is not known how many men who fought in the Civil War are buried here because many of the older markers have not withstood the elements of time.

One interesting story relates to J. L. (Jake) Bogard, who was killed by bushwhackers on December 8, 1863. His large tombstone is in inscribed: "Oh God, may thy judgment prove severe upon those who murdered the beloved one that lies here." He was 43 years of age. The story goes that J. L. "Jake" Bogard was a confederate that made a decision to remain home. Confederate troops were passing through on their way to meet the Federal troops for a prisoner exchange. They stopped at Bogard's home for a meal. A lavish feast was put before them. Jake then engaged a prisoner in a conversation that got out of hand. Jake was so infuriated he spat in the man's face. The prisoner, unable to defend himself, replied to the insult, "I'll remember you.". The military party eventually moved on. On December 8, 1863 Jake had been to Brownsville. The prisoner hid himself and his weapon until Jake's return. Jake was shot and tied to his horse. The horse was then given the road. The next morning the family was alarmed to see Jake's horse at the gate. They found Jake shot dead. They had no idea whom was responsible for the deed.

Another reference to the effects of the Civil War is recorded in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas Proceedings in November, 1867 concerning the Walnut Plains Masonic Lodge, No. 137: "Brother Willie Nichols, W. M., returns the charter without books, jewels or list of members. He states that he was Worshipful master in 1861, since which time there has been no election; that upon the occupation of the country by the U.S. troops, during the rebellion, the soldiers destroyed the hall, clothing, furniture, etc. There not being a sufficient number of members to reorganize the lodge, they surrender their charter.". It is thought that the first Walter's Chapel Church was destroyed at the same time as the Lodge.

Walter's Chapel tried to rebound from the War. Considering that it was not on a railroad or a body of water, the fact that Walter's Chapel survived in any form after the War is probably a tribute to the pioneer stock of its people. Walter's Chapel had a stage house and was home to the current equivalent of a Justice of the Peace. A story from the files of the Works Projects Administration, Writer's Project for Prairie County, confirms the existence of a stage house at Walter's Chapel after the War relating that on a stage ride from DeValls Bluff when an rider disclosed that he had never taken the "Oath to the United States" the individual was taken to "Walter's Chapel" to be administered the oath that very night. Remember that the City of Carlisle was not even laid out until 1871.

No newsprint in the era after the Civil War can be found to document the actual construction date of the Walter's Chapel Church which replaced the log church destroyed during the War. It is known that the two story replacement was in existence by November of 1870 as verified by extensive records on the various Masonic Lodge Chapters and preserved at the Masonic Temple in Little Rock. Designated as Chapter #237, the E.H. English Lodge with Jurisdiction at Wattensaw, County of Lonoke at Walter's Chapel had the following Charter members : W. H. Kirksey, David R. Ross, R.H. Morehead, James D. Alexander, Issac D. Booe, John M. Barrett, Anderson Barrett, James G. Cummins, Samuel M. Gray, Levi Gues, Lewis W. Hutson, Samuel F. Harrison, Gus W. Hill, John G. Hammond, Henry Ingram, Jackson J. Jenkins, William Johnson, John W. Kemp, Joseph D. Miller, Edward R. McPherson, Thomas R. Ray, David S. Ray, William Ray, Thomas C.Rogers, William W. Smith, Daniel Sparks, Richard F. Thurman, and J. Welch. Entrance to the upstairs Masonic Lodge Hall was gained from a separate entrance on the south side of the current Church, up a stairwell. In later years when the Masonic Lodge moved its physical location to Wattensaw, the second floor was removed; however, the stairwell from outside the building remained there until the early sixties.

Other organizations also used the Masonic Lodge as a meeting hall, i.e., the G.A. Dannelly Temperance Reform Council #30 met there with members R. H. Morehead, Henry Nichols, I. D. Booe, J. R. Moore J. G. Hammond, George Ray, and John W. Woollen as well as their wives. By May 10, 1873 a Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized at Walter's Chapel. Officers were Mr. Dick, T. B. Ray, I.D. Booe, J. D. Cummins, W. A. Morgan, D.A. Richards, L.W. Hutson, W. H, Kirksey, J. H. Hackney, Mrs .C. A. Richards, Mrs. R .H. Morehead, Mrs. T. B. Ray, and Miss N. F. Richards. Two of the last organizations to meet in the Masonic Lodge hall were The Woodman's Lodge of which Reverend Pharr, a former minister at Walter's Chapel was a member, and a Chapter of the Eastern Star.

In 1873 Lonoke County was created from portions of Pulaski and the eastern part of Prairie County including the Walter's Chapel area. The Prairie County line runs just to the east of Prairie County.

By 1874 the Walter's Chapel Baptist Church was a member of the Caroline Baptist Association. The church had no pastor, but sent C. C. Boyd, W. H. Pritchard, and J.G. Cummins as delegates to the Association's fall meeting. Seventy-seven members were reported. At an 1881 Caroline Baptist Association meeting held with Liberty North, White County, "Walnut Plains" was represented with L. W. Hutson, John Morris, Pastor, and W. R. Richards; total members 36. Minutes of the Caroline Baptist Association on September 5, 1885 with the Lonoke Association, reflect that Walnut Plains was represented by W. B. Burnett and M. W. Davis. The October, 1886 Caroline Association meeting found Walnut Plains with R. F. Routh as pastor and W.B. Burnett. H. L.Hutson, and W. H. Richards as messengers. In October, 1888 J. C. Watkins and M. N. Davis were listed as ordained Ministers, the Pastor as G. White, and O. W. Owens, and J. T. Smith as messengers; 64 members. By October of 1889 the Association listed Walnut Plains with a debt of $3.95 and J. King, Pastor, J. T. Smith, Clerk, members 83. Walnut Plains was not represented at the Association meeting held at Centre Hill Church, White County held in 1890; 37 members were reported. In October, 1891, Walnut Plains was present with Brothers J. T. Smith, J. D. Watkins, I. W. Hudson, O. U. Owens, and J. T . Smith with Post Office at Barrettsville; 47 members.

In October 1921 the Church voted to ask for admittance into the Lonoke Association and was accepted. In March of 1925 the Lonoke Association met at Walter's Chapel. In August 1942 a Sunday School was organized and the Church began a period of growth. By 1944 the church had 98 members. On August 15, 1949 the Church was wired for electricity. After achieving its peak membership in the forties, the Baptist Church began a steady decline in membership with 78 members in 1950 and 40 in 1951 as families left their small, unprofitable family farms for jobs in town. The Walter's Chapel (Walnut Plains) Church still continued to hold Sunday morning services and attempted Sunday night services at least once. In 1962 the Church was accepted into the Grand Prairie Association. Services continued to be held until 1972 when the loss of membership finally caused the closure of the Church. Pastors not previously mentioned include: John Morris, R. F. Routh, G. White, J. C. Watkins, M. N. Davis, J. King, Brother Kerr, H. Y. Morris, Brother Richardson, Brother Clovis Edge, Brother John Ingle, Brother W. A. Rochell, Brother Amos Roland Boothe, Brother Verl Johnson, Ursley Livesay, Brother Joe Johnson, Brother Richard Parris, Brother Griffin, Brother Clifton Keaton, Brother Roy Matlock, and Brother Edward Moody who was the last preacher at Walter's Chapel.

Off and on from 1860-1910 the community had a post office although sometimes the delivery of mail was a weekly event. The location of the post office changed often. At least one time the Post Office at Walter's Chapel closed because the person who carried the mail moved. The lack of mail service prompted one prominent Walter's Chapel resident, R. H. Morehead, to move to town as he was Secretary of the State's Agricultural Wheel and he needed to receive his mail on a more timely basis. For a time the mail was delivered to a store a couple of miles east of the Church; then the mail was distributed along a row of mailboxes. During this era the mail carrier subcontracted the route from a contractor who may have lived in another State. Ferdinand Gates and I.D. Booe were two of Walter's Chapel's mail carriers.

For many, many years another old rough hewed wooden building served as Walter's Chapel's first Methodist Church. Much later a new Methodist Church was built along side the rough hewn one. Both the older and newer Methodist Church were built in the northwestern part of the existing intersection and across the road from the existing Baptist Church location (southeastern part of intersection). Land for the Methodist Church was deeded to the Walter's Chapel M. E. Church, South by George H. and Annie A. White in 1913. Trustees of the Church as recorded on the warranty deed were: L. Q. Booe, T. A. Ray and T. H. Mayfield. This church (as recorded by Mayme Lois Raborn in her "History of Zion") was one of five (5) churches on the Hickory Plains Circuit. The other four (4) churches were: Hamilton, Zion, Shiloh, and Roger's Chapel. These five churches shared the same pastor, usually a beginning preacher. A May, 1962 tornado completely demolished the Methodist Church as well as the majority of the large oak trees in both Church yards as well as those in the old school yard.

The "new portion of Walter's Chapel Cemetery" once held a large three room school house. In 1923 two and l/2 acres (beginning 70 yards, North of the SW corner of the North l/2 of the SE l/4, Section 13, T 3N, 7W) was deeded to the Walter's Chapel School District by Annie A. White, who by this time was a widow. Directors of this School District (#14) were: T. A. Nichols, C. C. Jennings, and D. V. Booe. The school consolidated with the Carlisle School District and closed around 1947; however, it remained open for a time as a community center before it was dismantled.

The Federal Writers' Project, Works Progress Administration, State of Arkansas, History of Lonoke county file includes a little known fact. Former Governor George W. Donaghey worked for George Hartje at Walter's Chapel in 1875. Here he met Miss Levenia Wallace who lived a little south of the Walter's Chapel settlement. Later, he returned and they were married in the old chapel (the one still standing today).

Walter's Chapel is the final resting place of Morris E. "Lee" Britt and Virgie L. Oliver Britt, parents of Maurice L. "Footsie" Britt, Arkansas's first Republican Lieutenant Governor, a college football hero and a Medal of Honor winner who lost an arm in World War II. He won the nation's two other highest combat decorations, served two terms as Lieutenant Governor, headed the Small Business Administration's state office for 14 years, starred as an Arkansas Razorback football player and in 1941 played a year of professional football with the Detroit Lions. He ran for governor in 1986. Footsie Britt (b. 6/29/1919 d. 11/26/1995) is buried at National Cemetery in Little Rock with wife, Patricia A. (b.4/15/1930 d. 12/1/1993).

Despite the fact that everyone has moved away, a tradition that started approximately 80 years ago still can be observed. The first Sunday in May is designated as Decoration Day at Walter's Chapel . The tradition survives today. People come from sun-up to sun-set on this "Decoration Sunday" as well as on Saturday. Research from the Arkansas History Commission's Works Project Administration (WPA) files for Lonoke and Prairie Counties prepared in 1939-1940 indicate that as many as 500 people used to come to Walter's Chapel for Decoration Day. Many people used to bring their lunch, spread a blanket and have lunch on the ground. In 1939 Walter's Chapel was listed as the largest cemetery in Lonoke County with an estimated 2,500 burials; however, now only about one third of the markers in the older portion still remain.

A relational data base of all those individuals buried at the Cemetery is under construction. If the tombstone of your loved one is not readable or has been displaced over time, please forward their names, dates of birth and death, along with the approximate location of the gravesite. Since this data base will, no doubt, trace the history of the people who once lived here, we would greatly appreciate any other information on your loved ones who are buried here, i.e. maiden names, place of birth, veteran status, and related family names.

My hope is to nominate Walter's Chapel Church and the adjoining Cemetery for the National Register of Historic Places. The area to the immediate west of the old cemetery was once a Slave Cemetery. No markers remain. Time, decay, and nature have taken a toll on many of the older gravesites at the Walter's Chapel Cemetery. Neglect has also taken a toll on the old Walter's Chapel Church.

Efforts are underway to preserve the integrity of this pioneer Church and the Cemetery. The lone surviving building at Walter's Chapel is an excellent example of a pioneer church; the pews are the original hand hewn ones. The Church, the pews, the pulpit, and the Cemeteries have great historical significance. A second floor formerly used as a Masonic Lodge was removed sometime prior to 1947 leaving the structure as it exists today... a one story building. Another construction project in the 1960's closed off the stairway on the south side of the building from which entry was gained to the second floor. Other modifications to the outside of the original building not previously mentioned were: the replacement of the original two front doors with one double door and siding. Inside modifications not previously mentioned were ceiling tile, paneling, and linoleum.