Re-enactors storm Prairie Grove park

A previously quiet crowd of spectators broke into conversation after the boom of three cannons at the re-enactment to commemorate the 152nd anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove on Saturday.

The sound of gunfire followed as actors portraying Union and Confederate cavalry members met along a ridge near the historic Borden House at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.

The conflict marked the beginning of a three-hour attack from the Union that resulted in about 50 percent casualties from both sides, park superintendent Jessee Cox said. About 2,700 causalities have been estimated for the Dec. 7, 1862 battle.

About 700 to 800 actors came together to re-enact portions of the battle, Cox said. He said the park expected between 5,000 and 8,000 spectators over the two-day event that ends today.

“It is an educational event for us,” Cox said. “It keeps people remembering the horror of this time period.”

Cox said the event is not meant to celebrate but to commemorate.

“By having people die on the field, it brings to life the stuff we don’t hear about the Civil War,” Cox said.

The battle was the last Civil War engagement in Arkansas, Cox said. It ended as a tactical draw because neither side gave up ground; however, he said it was a strategic victory for the Union because the Confederate troops moved out during the night.

The re-enactment also gives spectators a look into people’s lives during the time period, Cox said. Actors live in camps during the event, and spectators are allowed to visit the camps and learn from the actors.

Bill Wayne of Warrensburg, Mo., camped at the site with a group of about 10 actors Saturday. He first attended the event in 1987.

A kettle hung over the fire in the middle of a makeshift camp set up by the group. Wayne held onto a replica of a .55-caliber Enfield rifle that would have been used during the war.

“We all have a love of history,” Wayne said as he prepared to get into formation for the re-enactment. “A lot of us had ancestors who fought for the South.”

Companies were often made up of families and friends during the Civil War, Wayne said. Companies during the event were gathered the same way.

Wayne and his group of friends were assigned to the 3rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry for the event. The group was preparing to be in the second counterattack by the Confederate Army during the battle.

A drum beat in the background as Wayne and his company moved into formation.

Paul Pittmeier, company acting captain, called out a number of orders. In return, the men placed bayonets on their guns and shifted their weapons. Moments later, they marched toward the building sounds of cannons and gunfire.

Whitney Waggoner,