One of the most intact battlefields from the War Between the States can be found in the northwest corner of Arkansas, not far from the Oklahoma state line, in Prairie Grove.
Prairie Grove provides the opportunity to explore a the site of a major Civil War battle much as it appeared to Union and Confederate troops December 7, 1862. In this last battle for the highland route to Missouri, the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi clashed with the Union Army of the Frontier. The day of fierce fighting resulted in about 2,700 casualties.
Visitors to Prairie Grove may view interpretative exhibits and artifacts, or take a walking or driving tour of the battlefield. The park also features monthly events and a dramatic, bi-annual Civil War re-enactment - the largest of its kind in the state of Arkansas.
While passing through on a road trip, I stopped to stretch my legs by taking a walking tour of Prairie Grove. As is often the case in such settings, I could not help but reflect upon how peaceful the battlefield is today, when for one brief moment in time it was the scene such unspeakable tragedy.
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