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(SHORT VERSION)On December 7, 1862, a Confederate Army under Major General Thomas C. Hindman (12,000) engaged the Union divisions of Brigadier General Francis J. Herron and James G. Blunt (10,000) 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. Hindman placed his large force between the two Union divisions, turning on Herron first and routing his cavalry. As Hindman pursued the cavalry, he met Herron's infantry which pushed him back. The Rebels then established their line of battle just beyond the Illinois river along a wooded high ridge northeast of Prairie Grove Church.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.(1,317 Casualties-Southern 1,251 Union casualties) 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.
The Confederate counter offensive not only failed to turn back the Union advances but cost troops sorely needed for the relief of Vicksburg..
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.
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.
