"The Battle That Saved Missouri for the Union" Pea Ridge National Military Park by mrclay2000

Pea Ridge National Military Park Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 60 photos

Pea Ridge entrance sign - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Ozark Conflict - Not the First or Last

After the Federal setback at Wilson's Creek (Springfield, Missouri) in 1861, which also retarded the consolidation of Confederate strength in the area, the Union turned the tables on the Rebs at Pea Ridge near modern-day Garfield, Arkansas. Most Civil War enthusiasts will take both parks in conjunction, but history buffs will also be pleased to note that the road in between forms part of the infamous "Trail of Tears" route that relocated thousands of Indians to the Indian Territories farther west (modern-day Oklahoma).

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful scenery, epic history
Cons:Rattlesnakes in the low ground, horribly hot and humid in summer
In a nutshell:Essential battlefield site for Civil War buffs

Last visit to Pea Ridge National Military Park: Jul 1996
Intro Written May 11, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

in the deep grass at Pea Ridge - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Don't Get Rattled Warnings and Dangers (2)

Depending on how the park service has managed the grounds recently by the time of your visit, you might find full fields... more travel advice

Get Here Early Enough Warnings and Dangers (2)

In the late afternoon and early evening, park officials will tend to close down the entrance gate, assuming that... more travel advice

Wilson's Creek entrance - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Double Your Tour Off The Beaten Path (1)

Few persons who come to Pea Ridge for its own merits will neglect visiting Wilson's Creek National Battlefield a few... more travel advice

Elkhorn Tavern - Pea Ridge National Military Park

Spartan Living Things to Do (6)

Though reconstructed for the benefit of the modern-day military park, the interior of the Elkhorn Tavern displays all... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All No Gun Unmolested

Been to Pea Ridge National Military Park?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (7)

Reply
- Report abuse
Segolily Jan 20, 2012 at 2:10 PM

I may stop off here this summer and your information has bee very helpful. Thank you.
Reply
- Report abuse
roamer61 Aug 18, 2006 at 5:40 AM

Few people know about the Battle of Pea Ridge unless they are Historians or Civil War Buffs, that latter which includes myself. Very good and informative pages.
Reply
- Report abuse
JudyinPA Oct 19, 2003 at 7:57 PM

Now, you've hit on our reason for visiting this area. We have even seen some of the reenactments. My husband has all the Civil War books.
Reply
- Report abuse
mtncorg Jun 13, 2003 at 7:49 AM

You are a Man for a different Time. Good look at an important site in western Civil War history. Just make sure those 'mock' cannons aren't spiked.
Reply
- Report abuse
craic May 19, 2003 at 1:13 PM

I suppose that is what a civil war is. Having the battle lines drawn up on your front lawn.
Reply
- Report abuse
zrim May 14, 2003 at 8:47 AM

Shelby Foote himself could not have given a better overview.
Reply
- Report abuse
dave_21 May 14, 2003 at 7:00 AM

I can picture the cannons and the artillery shooting! This must be a must see for Civil War enthusiasts. Well written. Rattlesnakes are not harmless creatures...