History came alive on Missouri border

The fourth annual reenactment of the Battle of Pea Ridge this past weekend was very well attended, by both reenactors and visitors, said Steve Bailey, board member of Arkansas Reenactor Educational Association Inc. Bailey said this was the last reenactment to be held on the Kent Webb farm on the Arkansas-Missouri border.

“It was very good,” Bailey said. “We had as large a crowd as we’ve ever had Saturday.

“There was an excellent turnout on reenactors,” he said, adding that there were more than 200 reenactors and about 750 to 800 spectators.

“Thanks to Mr. Kent Webb, for towing 24 vehicles with his tractor, from areas that a four-wheeldrive tow truck couldn’t go,” Bailey said. “The Webb family is to be commended for their 10-year commitment to hosting four major Civil War reenactments, on their farm.

“Their love for, and respect of, history and the 19th century reenactment community members, as well as care for their needs, has never been more noteworthy or heartfelt,” Bailey said.

Torrential rain began Saturday night and events for Sunday were canceled by 7 a.m. Sunday with all reenactors getting out safely before the water rose, Bailey said.

“We’ve had some tough weather the last few years,” Bailey said recalling that the AREA reenactors dodged a tornado at Prairie Grove in December last year.

NWA Democrat-Gazette photographs by Charlie Kaijo Gavin Crawford, 11, of Joplin, Mo., blew on a fire Friday at a field north of Pea Ridge along the Missouri border in Pea Ridge. Members of the trans Mississippi Brigade set up camp for visitors to see life as it was in the 1860s in a battle camp.

NWA Democrat-Gazette photographs by Charlie Kaijo Caleb Ryder nelson of Clarksville (center left) and Johnathan Bowen of Clarksville (right) looked on and laughed as they gathered with family and friends in a tent, Friday.

NWA Democrat-Gazette photographs by Charlie Kaijo Keiana McCoy of Prairie Grove, in 19th century attire, walked across a field near the Missouri border Friday.