Pea Ridge preserves decisive battle’s history
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Pea Ridge National Military Park.
I suspect most people will agree that our country has experienced its share of turmoil and uncertainties throughout history. In fact, those of us living today are not strangers to unrest and constant bickering between folks with contrasting opinions and convictions.
That all being said, I think it would prove safe to suggest that a majority of those reading this article would also be quick to insist that we live in the greatest country in the world, partially because we have the freedom to openly share and follow these aforementioned opinions and convictions.
I also suspect that others share my occasional fear for this country’s well-being and future, in light of issues that we face at present. However, it is important to recognize that the United States of America has experienced, and eventually overcame, unrest that was far more intense than what we are accustomed to today.
In fact, the destination that we will visit during today’s article is a perfect reminder of one of the most volatile and unnerving times that the U.S. of A. has ever weathered.
Let’s take a step back in time, to April 12, 1861. In fact, let’s be a little more precise, at 4:30 a.m., when Confederate troops fired upon Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking what is traditionally believed to be the beginning of the Civil War.
A series of events led to this battle between “the North” and “the South,” including tensions that simmered for decades over slavery, states’ rights and westward expansion.
The war came at a huge price, not only monetarily, but the cost of life was astounding. Of the 2.4 million soldiers who fought, in the neighborhood of 620,000 met their demise on the battlefields and in makeshift field hospitals. Millions of others were injured by the war’s end in 1865. And sections of the South were left in ruins.
Battles ensued in 19 states, one of which happened to be Arkansas. In fact, there are a number of battlefields staggered within its perimeters.
I can think of a couple of battlefields that are situated within an hour or two of Hot Springs. However, we recently had the opportunity to visit a couple of the more popular sites that are located in the northwest corner of the state. In fact, I plan to cover these historic locations during the next few weeks.
We’ll begin with the location of what some consider as “the most decisive” Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Union and Confederate soldiers, more than 26,000 combined, took up arms against each other in northwest Arkansas during the Pea Ridge Campaign.
This particular battle was of strategic significance in the sense that it would likely dictate the fate of Missouri. And control of Missouri would likely play a huge role in the outcome of the war.
According to information published by the National Park Service on http://www.nps.gov, “Missouri provided an easy invasion route either north or south and controlled the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers. It had abundant natural resources, especially lead and iron ore, a large military-aged population and was the home of the Saint Louis Arsenal, with a stockpile of over 60,000 muskets.”
The battle began on March 7 in 1862, marking the start of a grueling two-day battle. One would imagine that the atmosphere was saturated with fear and uncertainties and the air reeked of death. The price of human life would obviously prove costly, but when the dust had settled, the Union Army walked away with a victory.
More than 160 years have transpired since the North and South fought for control on this 4,300-acre battlefield. And the atmosphere is far different today. It’s likely that the soldiers could hardly imagine a time when silence would hover over the fields and blanket the hillsides. And a sense of peacefulness would flow in the breeze.
But that’s how it feels today. And fortunately, those who visit the facility will have ample opportunity to get at least somewhat of a perspective of the physical and mental impact that the war had on soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. Let alone the impact that their willingness to put their lives on the line would affect those of us from future generations.
Those who visit the facility might consider stopping at the visitor center prior to embarking upon the paved 7-mile driving tour that meanders through the battlefield and alongside several interpretive signs along the way.
There are a number of interpretive stations in the visitor center, lending to the opportunity to see, first hand, the replicas and original cannon mortars used during the battles, as well as various models of muskets and examples of uniforms donned by both the Union and Confederate soldiers.
I most enjoyed watching the short film at the theater, as it shared interesting information pertaining to this specific battle.
One might also consider striking out along the hiking trail that meanders through the park, and the paved road is a great destination for the inquisitive cyclist.
However, the temperature was frigid during our most recent visit. And in turn, we opted to strike out along the paved road from the comfort of our vehicle.
The route led us alongside large fields where fighting ensued during the two-day battle. The replicas of cannons strategically placed in the open fields made it far easier to imagine a different era, while the interpretive signs shared interesting history that assisted in painting the overall picture.
The road headed uphill shortly thereafter to a parking area where one could embark upon a short walk along a hard-surfaced path leading to a vista overlooking the battlefield. The information posted at this station shared knowledge pertaining to the fighting that took place below.
The road then led to yet another parking area. By the way,
did I mention that we saw 38 deer along this short section of the road? OK, back to the route.
From the parking area, one can walk a short distance to a two-story structure referred to as the Elkhorn Tavern. This building was situated alongside the telegraph road and was described as “a place of abundant good cheer” by travelers prior to the war. However, the tavern was used by both the Confederate and Union armies as a supply base and a field hospital during the battle.
The road loops down the hill from the parking area and makes its way alongside yet another field where the Confederates attempted to overtake Union troops at dusk.
They were met with a deluge of musket and artillery fire, however, and retreated back into the refuge of the forest. The route then runs alongside the “Federal Line,” where the Union artillery forced the Confederates to withdraw from the Elkhorn Tavern area.
The road then makes its way within sight of a bluff where the remnants of trenches still exist above Sugar Creek, prior to winding back to the parking area where the driving tour began.
Yep, Pea Ridge National Military Park is one of those locations that just about anybody with an inkling of interest in history will enjoy. In fact, I’m already anticipating my next visit to this special place nestled in the northwest corner of Arkansas.
To get to the destination from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west for approximately 64 miles and make a right-hand turn right onto Highway 71 at Y City, toward Fort Smith.
Remain on Highway 71 for 54 miles and take I-540. Remain on Interstate 540 for 12 miles and take Exit 1B onto I-40 east, toward Little Rock. Travel 4.3 miles and take Exit 12 for I-49 north, toward Fayetteville.
Remain on I-49 for 66 miles and take Exit 86 for Highway 62/Highway 102, toward Bentonville and Rogers. Keep right and continue to follow Highway 62 east for 3 miles. Take a left onto North Eighth Street, travel 8.2 miles and turn left onto National Park Drive. Go 0.4 miles and turn left onto Military Park Road. Drive 400 feet to the parking area.