Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park enlightening trip
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.
I have covered a number of locations throughout Arkansas that played a significant role in the Civil War, and it never ceases to amaze me how each of these destinations lends to a sense of peace and serenity. The grounds are always well groomed and the melodic sounds of songbirds carry through the fresh air, as huge trees silently tower into the sky.
There was a time, however, when the atmosphere was far different. It was a time when the air was filled with fear and anticipation and eventually reeked with the aftermath of battle.
The soothing sounds of Mother Nature were overtaken with the clash of gunfire and the blasts of canons. Death and injuries were inevitable for all parties, regardless of the victor. And at the battle’s end, gloom and silence likely overpowered all other senses.
Sandy and I recently visited Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park during an excursion to northwest Arkansas. And I was not surprised when this particular destination lent to the same quiet and peaceful atmosphere as I had recalled at other battlegrounds.
It didn’t take long, however, to remember that this, too, was a location rich in history where chaos, uncertainty and casualties once overwhelmed the landscape. It all came to a head near the noon hour in the winter of 1862. Attacks were answered with counter attacks throughout the day. And when darkness began to overtake the battlefield, casualties had proven high for both the Union and Confederate armies. So they both agreed to a 12-hour truce, beginning at
10 p.m., so they could care for the wounded.
Confederate Gen. Thomas C. Hindman’s men lacked food and ammunition. As a result, he recognized the truce and darkness as cover and chose to retreat back to Fort Smith.
According to information we obtained at the state park, the battle was considered a “tactical draw,” as the casualties were nearly the same, with
2,700 soldiers from both sides listed as killed, wounded or missing during the five-hour battle.
But strategically, the Battle at Prairie Grove was considered a Union victory. Once the Confederate Army withdrew from this particular battle, they failed to move north of the Arkansas River again throughout the remainder of the Civil War, excluding occasional cavalry raids.
The information we obtained from the state park also explained that northwest Arkansas was “embroiled in a bitter guerrilla war with bushwhackers preying on each other and helpless citizens” during the remainder of the war.
We began our tour by stopping in at the visitor center. The interpretive stations throughout the building were very interesting and informative. And they set the stage for the remainder of the tour through the battlegrounds.
Leaving the visitor center, we walked a short distance to a courtyard of a sort where several monuments had been erected. Each monument shared history pertaining to the battle and specific personalities who played a significant role in the conflict.
Located practically within a stone’s throw of the monuments was a structure that had played an important role, as well. Although it was originally situated miles down the road, the building had since been moved to the park property. The Morrow House is where the southern commanders met the day prior to discuss the final details of the attack.
Although an auto tour is also available, Sandy and I chose to ease in the direction of the path leading through the battlegrounds. The interpretive walking trail meandered alongside several buildings during its one-mile loop, However, none of these structures were actually on site during the war. I suppose they are used, more or less, to set the stage for the Ozark culture during this era of time. And I’ll be the first to agree that these old buildings did allow one’s imagination to revert to a different time and lifestyle with which we are not familiar today.
The Latta House was constructed in Vineyard by John Latta in 1834. The log structure served as the Vineyard Post Office for two years. And with time the Latta farm sported several outbuildings, three of which were a springhouse, a smokehouse and a detached kitchen.
The schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, sorghum mill, and dogtrot house were all originally situated at various locations in Washington County, as well, and were eventually moved to the premises.
There was one building, however, that had been rebuilt on the foundation of the original structure. The original house was destroyed by fire the day following the battle. And Archibald Borden rebuilt the house in about 1868.
As the trail runs within sight of this particular building, one might take into consideration that they are treading where some of the most fierce fighting took place during the Prairie Grove conflict. And as the trail continues it will meander alongside several interpretive signs that share the perspective of officers, enlisted men and civilians which were involved in or affected by the battle.
There were also 11 trail markers along the way, each sharing interesting information. Stopping and reading the information posted at each marker we learned the logistics of the armies as they prepared for battle. The interpretive stations also shared a general play-by-play of the conflict.
Some of the markers referred to the casualties sustained throughout the conflict, while one brought to light that civilians lived in this area and, in turn, were affected as well. In fact, this particular interpretive station mentioned four families who holed up in a cellar during the confrontation.
The paved trail eventually made its way down a hill and alongside a huge field. I once again sensed solitude and serenity as the tall grass, and large colonies of wildflowers swayed in the slight wind.
But then I began to ponder if this beautiful field even existed during the Civil War. And even if it did exist, I tried to imagine weary soldiers trampling through the thick understory while overwhelmed with uncertainty of what would transpire in the minutes to come. Or perhaps they were in the midst of chaos, as distant canons exploded and gunfire filled the air.
The trail eventually left the large fields behind and made a winding ascent back to where the walking tour began. Sandy and I both agreed that we had thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park as we neared the vehicle. It had proven a very humbling and enlightening experience. And there was no doubt that we would both welcome the opportunity to visit this destination again in the future.
To get to the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park from Hot Springs, take Highway
270 west for about 64 miles to Y City and turn right onto Highway 71. Remain on Highway 71 for 32 miles and take a right onto Dayton Road for
6.3 miles, then turn right onto Highway 71. Go 15 miles and turn right to merge onto I-540 toward Van Buren, go 12 miles and take Exit 1B onto I-40 east. Go 4.6 miles and take Exit 12 toward Fayetteville. Go 33 miles and take Exit 53 onto Highway 170, then travel fourtenths of a mile and turn left onto Phillips Street. Go threetenths of a mile and take a right onto east Highway 156. Travel 4.3 miles and keep right on Hogeye Road. Go 5.2 miles and turn right onto Highway
62. Travel 2.5 miles and turn left onto Douglas Street. Travel 250 feet and take a right onto Stills Road. Travel 500 feet and turn left. Travel 900 feet to the parking area.