State Park Plans Campout On Battlefield

PRAIRIE GROVE — The weather forecast calls for cold temperatures this weekend, just right for giving campers an opportunity to experience conditions endured by soldiers fighting in the Civil War battle of Prairie Grove.

The State Park on Friday night will sponsor its first Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove Campout. Park interpreter Laura Jennings said the campout will be an annual event. For 2017, the state park is commemorating the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove.

“This is the only night of the year the public is allowed to camp on the battlefield,” Jennings said. “We want to help people understand what these men were going through and let them make connections with our battle.”

Pre-registration is required and people who want to participate can get more information by calling 479-846-2990. Cost is $20 per tent.

Participants must bring their own tents and camping supplies and the park will provide firewood, dinner Friday night and breakfast on Saturday morning.

The campout will include a candlelight tour of the battlegrounds and a midnight tour of the Morrow House to remember the midnight ride by a Confederate scout on Dec. 7, 1862.

The messenger rode in by horse to tell General Thomas Hindman the Union soldiers were marching into Fayetteville to help General James Blunt.

“This changed the course of the battle,” Jennings said.

After the midnight tour, campers will retire to their tents for the rest of the night. Saturday morning, Jennings will cook breakfast for everyone using a dutch oven and then lead the group to the Morrow House for more stories and legacies.

Jennings said tents will be set up in the Ozark Village area. The Latta Barn will be open as a warming station and to provide restroom facilities.