Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Civil War in the Ozarks

Visitors to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park are given a view of the total effect of the Civil War on the people of the Ozarks.

In addition to preserving an important 360-acre section of the original Civil War battlefield, the park has a unique collection of buildings depicting life in this area from the pre-Civil War Era to post-Civil War reconstruction.

The museum in Hindman Hall and self-guided walking and driving tours give visitors an understanding of the Battle of Prairie Grove, while the interpretive emphasis in the Ozark village focuses on the effect of war on Ozark life.

The Battle of Prarie Grove

On December 7, 1862, a Confederate Army under Major General Thomas C. Hindman engaged the Union divisions of Brigadier General Francis J. Herron and James G. Blunt near Prairie Grove Church. Hindman's original plan to strike Blunt, isolated at Cane Hill, Arkansas, was foiled by the timely arrival of two Union divisions under Herron.

Hindman bypassed Blunt at Cane Hill on the morning of December 7, 1862, and marched to meet Herron. The two armies collided at Prairie Grove. 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. Between noon and 2 p.m. two Union attacks met with bloody repulse.

The battered Union forces were reinforced about 2:30 p.m. by Blunt's arrival on the battlefield. The fighting spread westward, with savage attack and counter attack until darkness ended the fighting. The Confederate Army retreated southward during the night as its ammunition was nearly exhausted.

Prairie Grove marked the last major Civil War engagement in northwest Arkansas. Never again would a southern army attempt to use the area as an avenue of invasion to Missouri.

Interpretive Services

Programs - Audiovisual programs, musket demonstrations, and other educational activities are available on request. Guided tours through the historic Latta and Morrow houses are scheduled daily. Schools and other groups should schedule in advance of their visit.

Walking Tour - The one mile Battlefield Trail offers an opportunity to stand where the fiercest fighting took place near the Borden House. One can also view Crawford's Prairie and the site of the Aday Post Office. A free self-guiding brochure is available.

Driving Tour - The park contains 306 acres of the 3,000 acre battlefield. Visitors may view important places on the battlefield not on the park by taking the ten mile self-guided drive. A free brochure is available at Hindman Hall.

Special Events - Prairie Grove offers a variety of unique special events. The Clothesline Fair, held Labor Day weekend, is an arts and crafts festival sponsored by State Parks, the Prairie Grove Lion's Club and the Art Center of the Ozarks. The reenactment of the Battle of Prairie Grove takes place on the first full weekend in December each even-numbered year. Men from re-activated Civil War units gather to demonstrate battle tactics as well as the lifestyle of the common Civil War soldier. Other special events are held on various weekends throughout the year. Check with the park for exact dates on all special events and programs.

Facilities

Battlefield Museum and Visitor Center - Hindman Hall, built as a memorial to Confederate General Thomas C. Hindman, functions as the park Visitor Center. You'll find an audiovisual program and exhibits describing the park and the battle of Prairie Grove.

Latta Barn - Equipped with a kitchen and dining area plus basic cooking and eating utensils, the Latta Barn may be rented for group meetings and family gatherings of up to 100 people.

Picnicking - Tree-shaded tables, grills, and barbecue pit, plus two rental picnic pavilions provide a peaceful location for family outings. A playground, water, electricity and rest rooms conveniently adjoin the picnic area.

Historic Structures

Borden House - Archibald Borden built this house in about 1872 to replace the one destroyed by fire the day after the battle. It is the only historic structures in the park located on its original site.

Morrow House - John Morrow's residence, originally on Cove Creek, sheltered Confederate Generals Sterling Price and Earl Van Dorn before the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862. General Thomas C. Hindman used the house the night before the Battle of Prairie Grove. Today the building houses museum exhibits reflecting the Effect of the Civil War on Ozark Culture.

Latta House - John Latta built this log house at Vineyard in 1834. The building housed the Vineyard Post Office until a new one was started at Evansville in 1836. By 1860 the Latta farm boasted numerous out-buildings including a springhouse, a smokehouse, a detached kitchen and a cellar. Today the house and out-buildings offer visitors a vivid reflection of life in early Arkansas.

Battle Monument - The monument is actually a chimney from the steam powered mill at Rhea. The chimney was moved to the park and dedicated to all who fought here.

Other Structures - The schoolhouse, church, store, blacksmith shop, sorghum mill, and dogtrot house were all moved to the park from various locations in Washington County to help re-create a mid 1800's village atmosphere.

Location

From US 71 bypass in Fayetteville, travel west on US 62 just 8 miles to the park (located on the eastern edge of Prairie Grove).

Hours of Operation

Park - Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (year-round) Battlefield Museum - Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (year-round) Closed Thanksgiving, noon December 24 through Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

For further information on park programs, reservations, or events, contact:

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
PO Box 306
Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Telephone: (501) 846-2990

For further information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.