Prairie Grove one of nation’s most intact Civil War sites
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.
Last week’s article led us back in time to a Civil War battle that took place in the extreme northwestern section of Arkansas. This week, we’ll remain within the same time period, to yet another battle taking place at a location that was less than one hour south of last week’s destination by today’s standards.
Although the atmosphere is presently quite peaceful at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, that has not always been the case. In fact, let’s set the stage for this battle that left in the neighborhood of 2,700 men either deceased, wounded or missing in action.
Arkansas was somewhat different from neighboring states, in the sense that its citizens’ sentiments varied drastically. Arkansas shared a border with the Union state of Missouri, to the north, while the Confederate states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana were directly to the east and south. Hence a noticeable contrast in the belief systems of those calling Arkansas home.
Convictions and opinions were obviously strong, and even varied within families. And with this clash of beliefs came the dilemma of brothers choosing to don opposing uniforms. And at times fathers would even take up arms against their own sons.
The Union Army had walked away with a victory under its belts only nine months earlier, at Pea Ridge, securing their control of the neighboring state of Missouri. And on the morning of Dec. 7, 1862, the echoes of muskets and cannons once again resonated through the Ozarks, when Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hindman and his Confederate men engaged the Union troops near the Prairie Grove Church.
According to information published in the park brochure, “Hindman’s men took a defensive position on a ridge overlooking the Illinois River. The battle began with an artillery duel which opened the way for a Union attack. At 2:30 p.m., two Union charges met with bloody repulse.”
Union reinforcements arrived shortly thereafter, as the fighting continued with attacks and counterattacks. And as darkness overtook the skies, the Confederate, who was “exhausted,” “starved” and practically depleted of ammunition, retreated in a southward direction, back to the Boston Mountains.
Interestingly, it is suggested that the Union army was not aware that the Confederates had fled under the cover of darkness until awakening on the following morning.
The Federals claimed yet another victory, and the final major campaign in northwest Arkansas was in the books. However, danger still lurked, as guerrilla warfare continued throughout the region during the remainder of the war.
Although more than 160 years have elapsed since the Union troops claimed a victory at Prairie Grove, many relics of this turbulent time in American history still remain. In fact, the park brochure explains, “Prairie Grove Battlefield has been nationally recognized as one of the most intact Civil War sites. The ridge and fields look much as they did at the time of the battle on Dec. 7, 1862.”
That in mind, the United Daughters of the Confederacy marked the property as a location where Civil War veterans could gather for reunions in 1908.
The property has since been declared an Arkansas State Park. And, in turn, folks are welcome to stop by and gain a little better understanding of this historic era of time in not only Arkansas, but in the United States.
In fact, those who visit the facility will have the opportunity to see a collection of structures and artifacts that depict life in this section of the state, both during and after the Civil War.
One might consider beginning their excursion into the past at the battlefield museum and visitor center, prior to striking out along the driving and/or walking tours.
The structure, referred to as Hindman Hall, was built as a memorial to the aforementioned Confederate general. A number of interesting interpretive stations await inside the building, including audiovisual programs and various relics and exhibits pertaining directly to the Battle of Prairie Grove.
As for the walking and driving tours, it would be hard to suggest which I would most prefer. So let’s just begin with a recap of the walk first and end with what awaits along the driving route.
The paved trail makes its way alongside the Jim Parks shelter, a church and one-room schoolhouse while en route to an intersection where we will veer right in the direction of the first trail marker.
Those stopping at this spot will get a general description of where the Arkansas Infantry Brigade, the 34th Arkansas, chose to position themselves in a ravine.
Now a little farther down the trail to the second marker. This is where the 29th Arkansas Infantry lurked in a ravine at the onset of the battle. A replica of a cannon is situated within a stone’s throw of trail marker number three, signifying where Arkansas troops attracted the attention of Union Gen. Herron. The 20th Wisconsin charged up the hill to capture the Confederates, under his orders. However, they were outmanned and driven back.
Trail marker 4 shares the vicinity of where the 19th Iowa Infantry advanced in support of the 20th Wisconsin. However, they, too, were met with significant resistance. The advancement proved costly, as Union Lt. Col. Mcfarland met his demise to nine musket balls.
Marker five explains how “Colonel Joseph Orville Shelby’s dismounted Missouri cavalry protected the right flank of the Confederate army. They were armed predominantly with shotguns and held their fire until the federals neared 40 yards.”
Marker 6 points out the woods where the Union troops advanced and lost in the neighborhood of 55% of their men. Trail maker 7 points out the general vicinity where Confederate soldiers were” cut down” by a “deadly canister of fire,” and marker 8 points out where Herron ordered a second charge.
Trail marker nine gives a description of where heavy fighting on the eastern end of the field concluded and number 10 reveals where the Ada post office stood.
The final trail marker points out the location of the 20th Iowa Infantry upon the arrival and much welcomed support of Union Gen. Blunt’s command.
The designated auto tour is equally as interesting and educational. In fact, the route also gives an overview of the battlefield, but from a different perspective. The route consists of 5 miles and normally takes in the neighborhood of one hour to complete. Those planning to experience the auto tour can pick up a CD, which will lend to a far more detailed tour, at the visitor center.
The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is yet another one of those locations where one is apt to find themselves lost in an era that is far different from today. And I, for one, am already anticipating my next opportunity to grow more acquainted with Arkansas’ rich and interesting story.
To get to the park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 west for about 64 miles and turn right onto Highway 71. Remain on 71 for approximately 55 miles and turn right to merge onto Interstate 540 north. Go 12 miles and take Exit 1B onto I-40 east, toward Little Rock.
Travel 4.6 miles and take Exit 12 onto I-49 north, toward Fayetteville. drive 39 miles and take Exit 58 to Greenland. Go 0.3 miles and turn left onto West Wilson Street. Go 0.3 more miles and take a left onto Highway 265/North Cato Springs Road. Drive 2.7 miles and turn right onto Illinois Chapel Road. Travel 4.5 miles and take a right onto Highway 62/East Heritage Parkway. Go 0.5 miles and make a left-hand turn onto Highway 62B/county Road 214. Travel 0.4 miles and turn right. The destination will be on the left.