29 July 2013
The battle of Pea Ridge is also known as the battle that
saved Missouri for the Union. Two major
battles were fought to keep Missouri in the Union, Wilson's Creek, Missouri in
August of 1861 and Pea Ridge Arkansas in March of 1862. While Wilson Creek was
a victory of the Confederates, they were unable to take advantage of their
victory and Union forces were able to re-group and meet the Confederates once
again at Pea Ridge.
On March 7 & 8
March, 1862 Confederate forces under the command of Major General Van Dorn with
16,000 men met Union forces under the command of Brig. General Samuel R Curtis
of 10,500 strong. In the beginning Confederate forces overwhelmed the Union,
but by the end of the day they withdrew and re-organized. The Confederates
thought they had the advantage when they took possession of Elk Horn Tavern, a strategic position on the
battlefield.
The next morning saw
a reversal of fortune for the Confederates. A two hour artillery barrage by the
Union crippled the Confederate line just before a infantry attack by the Union.
With ammunition running low, General Van Dorn ordered his troops to withdraw,
this was in of the battle of Pea Ridge.
A couple of side
notes to this area is that a portion of the Trail of Tears runs through the
battlefield along Telegraph Road. In addition, during the battle two regiments
of Cherokee Indians under the command of Confederate Brig. General Price fought
at this battle.
Today the battlefield
is peaceful with little to see except a few cannon and a re-constructed Elk
Horn Tavern. If you are looking for a place to stay near the battlefield try
camping at Roaring River State Park in Missouri. This park is only 19.8 miles
from the battlefield and if camping is not your thing you can still stay in
this park as there is a lodge with nice accommodations and a restaurant to
boot. The price is much better than staying at a big name hotel and the views
are wonderful.
Elk Horn Tavern
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