Pea Ridge is a well-preserved Civil War battlefield and site of an important Union victory (March of 1862) that established Federal control of Missouri and Arkansas. Brig. Gen. Samual Curtis tactically outmaneuvered counterpart Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn (and his larger Confederate force — a rarity for Civil War battles) throughout the two-day battle. Significantly, four Southern generals were killed or mortally wounded here to go along with 2,000 other casualties. A walk through the visitor’s center, along with a short film, will orient you to the battle. Then, a driving tour (complete with a cellphone description of the battle) will take you out onto the battlefield, or you can choose to enjoy the park’s seven mile hiking trail that travels through scenic, natural areas as well as those important historical sites. You will definitely want to stop at each of the overlooks (east and west for great views of the entire battlefield) and Elkhorn Tavern, the only structure (reconstructed) on park grounds.
Father-in-law Richard explaining doorknob usage to grandson Matt
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