Prairie Grove Battlefield, Arkansas
By Don Montgomery
As the sun dipped below the horizon on December 7, 1862, at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the furious sounds of battle slowly faded. The staccato rattle of musketry and the deep boom of cannons, which had echoed across the fields and through the woods, gradually subsided, leaving behind an eerie silence. The Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi Theater and the Union Army of the Frontier, locked in a desperate struggle, had collectively suffered approximately 2,700 casualties during the brutal, one-day engagement. The Battle of Prairie Grove, a pivotal moment in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, had come to an end.
Though the weary armies eventually departed and the larger conflict of the Civil War concluded in 1865, the wooded ridge overlooking the meandering Illinois River was irrevocably altered. The landscape bore the scars of battle, and the memory of the day’s events lingered in the air. In the years following the war, people began to settle in the area, drawn by the fertile land and the promise of a new beginning. In 1888, the town of Prairie Grove was officially established, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In the years that followed, the area became a gathering place for veterans from both sides of the conflict, who held reunions near the town, providing them with a chance to reflect on their shared experiences and the sacrifices they had made.
In 1908, a significant step was taken to preserve the memory of the battle when the Prairie Grove Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) purchased approximately nine acres of land from Kibble Carr Cummings. Their vision was to establish a park dedicated to the veterans of the Battle of Prairie Grove, a place where they could gather, reminisce, and honor their fallen comrades.
Within a year, the Confederate Veteran magazine, a widely circulated publication among former Confederate soldiers, enthusiastically reported on the new park. It was described as "…a consummation, an attraction, a hallowed spot like unto none in our Western Southland." This evocative language highlighted the deep emotional significance that the Prairie Grove Battlefield held for many Southerners, who saw it as a sacred place worthy of reverence.
The annual events held at the Prairie Grove Battlefield park quickly became popular attractions, drawing large crowds from the surrounding communities. These gatherings featured a diverse range of activities, reflecting the social and cultural norms of the time. Political speeches were a common feature, providing a platform for local and regional leaders to address the attendees. Dinners on the grounds were a highlight, with families and friends sharing meals and enjoying each other’s company. Foot races and carnival games added a lighthearted element to the festivities, providing entertainment for all ages. However, the primary purpose of these events was to provide a space for the aging veterans to reunite, share stories, and reminisce about their experiences during the war.
Following World War I, the reunions at Prairie Grove Battlefield expanded to include veterans of that more recent conflict, creating a sense of intergenerational camaraderie. The 1918 reunion was particularly noteworthy, attracting an estimated four thousand people. Among the attractions was an airplane flight, a novelty that undoubtedly captivated the attendees and offered a glimpse into the future of aviation. By 1922, the reunions had grown even more elaborate, featuring a baseball game, a vaudeville and wild west show, and a parade. These additions reflected the evolving tastes and interests of the community, ensuring that the events remained relevant and engaging.
Even during the challenging years of the Great Depression, the reunions at Prairie Grove Battlefield continued, demonstrating the enduring importance of these gatherings to the local community. The last surviving Confederate veterans in the area attended the 1938 event, marking a poignant moment in the park’s history. Despite the dwindling number of veterans, the 1940 reunion included politicians, the acrobatic team of "Riggs and Riggs," and an Old Fiddler’s Contest, showcasing the diverse talents and traditions of the region.
The events of December 7, 1941, a date already deeply ingrained in the memory of the people of Prairie Grove, brought about a significant change. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment in American history, marked the beginning of World War II and brought an end to the annual reunions at Prairie Grove Battlefield for the duration of the war. The park entered a period of stagnation, with limited resources available for maintenance and upkeep as the nation focused its attention on the global conflict.
However, the local citizens remained committed to preserving the hallowed ground of the Prairie Grove Battlefield. During the 1950s, renewed efforts were made to improve the park and ensure its long-term survival. The Prairie Grove Lions Club took a leading role, making it a priority to care for the historic battle site. Recognizing the need for greater support, other individuals advocated for state funding for the park. These efforts culminated in the passage of Senate Bill 278 in 1957, which created a Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Commission and appropriated $50,000 for development. This funding, along with future allocations, enabled the Commission to purchase additional acreage and relocate several historic structures to the park, including the Morrow and Latta houses, further enhancing its historical significance.
During the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove in 1962, many citizens, including the commissioners, urged the state to officially designate the site as a state park. However, it took several years before this dream became a reality. In the meantime, the volunteer spirit continued unabated at the park. A generous donation of $100,000 was bequeathed from the estate of Biscoe Hindman, son of Major General Thomas C. Hindman, who had commanded the Confederate Army at Prairie Grove. Architect Kenneth Cockram designed Hindman Hall, and the donation was used for the construction budget. The Commission dedicated the impressive structure in 1965, providing a valuable space for exhibits, educational programs, and community events.
Finally, in 1971, Prairie Grove Battlefield officially became a state park, marking a significant milestone in its history. Prairie Grove Battlefield Historic State Park continued to improve with the 1980 addition of the Borden House property, where some of the heaviest fighting occurred. This acquisition brought the park’s total acreage to 130, which remained until a new effort to expand the park began in 1992. The American Battlefield Protection Program prepared a Battlefield Protection Plan for Prairie Grove that year with Arkansas State Parks. The result was that a mixture of State, Federal and private funds were used to purchase more of the Civil War site. Today, the park encompasses approximately 750 acres of battlefield, providing visitors with a more comprehensive understanding of the scope and intensity of the battle.
As was true in the years immediately following 1862, Prairie Grove today draws people for a variety of reasons. Some come to exercise, picnic, attend family reunions or for special park events such as the Memorial Day Tribute, the Clothesline Fair, or the Battle Reenactment held in December of even-numbered years. Of course, many learn more about the history of the Civil War and the battle that occurred here through guided tours or interpretive exhibits in Hindman Hall or by wayside panels along the walking trail or six-mile driving tour.
For many, though, it remains a place of reflection. A place where one can physically connect with the events of America’s greatest and most influential conflict, the Civil War. Arkansas’ 27th state park, Prairie Grove Battlefield, commemorates a Civil War battle where, in one day, Union and Confederate forces suffered about 2,700 casualties. The park, located about 10 miles west of Fayetteville on U.S. 62, features a Battlefield Museum, interpretive exhibits and programs, guided tours, a walking trail, a driving tour, picnic sites, and more.
Contact Information:
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
P.O. Box 306
Prairie Grove, Arkansas 72753
479-846-2990
Article by Don Montgomery, park interpreter, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated August 2022.
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