The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas is
definitely worth a visit, when in northwest Arkansas ! Almost one hundred
years ago, in August of 1908, the UDC or United Daughters of the
Confederacy, purchased 9 acres of land on the site, and the first steps
towards its' preservation were taken. Many years later, Thomas Biscoe
Hindman bequeathed $100,000 towards preservation of the park. Thomas
Biscoe was the son of Major General Thomas Carmichael Hindman, who
had commanded Confederate Troops at the battle. Finally, in 1971, the
park became a part of the Arkansas State Park System, and is today one
of their outstanding jewels. Currently the park occupies approximately
850 acres, upon which there is a modern museum/visitor center, several
historic structures, two artillery pieces, and property that saw some of
the most severe action on December 7th, 1862.
A combined casualty count of about 2,700 men, made the one
day battle, one of the deadliest in northwest Arkansas. If you're in this
neck of the woods, be sure and stop by the museum and let the nice folks
there tell you about the battle !
Needless to say, metal detecting on the Park Property is Prohibited !
Please respect this hallowed ground on your visit.
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