Battle of Pea Ridge facts for kids

The Battle of Pea Ridge was a big fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Arkansas on March 7th and 8th, 1862. This battle was important because the Union army won, which helped them control the state of Missouri.

What Was the American Civil War?

The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states, called the Union, and the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. The main reasons for the war included disagreements over slavery and states' rights.

Why Was Pea Ridge Important?

The Battle of Pea Ridge took place in northwestern Arkansas. This area was very important because it was close to the border of Missouri. Both the Union and the Confederacy wanted to control Missouri. Winning this battle meant the Union could keep Missouri safe from Confederate attacks. It also helped the Union gain more control in the western part of the war.

Who Fought at Pea Ridge?

The Union army at Pea Ridge was led by Major General Samuel R. Curtis. His army was called the Army of the Southwest. Another important Union leader was Brigadier General Franz Sigel.

The Confederate forces were commanded by Major General Earl Van Dorn. He had a large army that included soldiers from Missouri, Arkansas, and even Native American troops. Other key Confederate leaders were Major General Sterling Price, Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch, and Brigadier General Albert Pike.

The Battle Begins: Day One

On March 7, 1862, the Confederate army tried to surprise the Union forces. General Van Dorn split his army into two groups. One group, led by General McCulloch, attacked the Union's right side. The other group, under General Price, attacked the Union's rear.

The fighting was very fierce. General McCulloch was sadly killed early in the battle. This caused some confusion among the Confederate troops. Despite this, the Confederates pushed hard against the Union lines.

The Battle Continues: Day Two

On March 8, 1862, the battle started again. The Union army, led by General Curtis, had regrouped during the night. They had a strong position near a place called Elkhorn Tavern.

The Union artillery, which are big cannons, played a major role. They fired heavily at the Confederate positions. After several hours of intense fighting, the Union forces launched a strong counterattack. The Confederates, running low on ammunition and supplies, were forced to retreat.

The Outcome and Aftermath

The Battle of Pea Ridge was a clear victory for the Union army. The Confederates suffered heavy losses and had to leave Arkansas. This win helped secure Missouri for the Union for the rest of the war. It also meant that the Union could focus more of its efforts on other parts of the conflict.

Today, the battlefield is preserved as the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Visitors can learn about the battle and walk where these important events happened.

Images for kids

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  Plan of the Battlefield of Pea Ridge

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  Battle of Pea Ridge (Day 1 and Day 2)

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  Troop arrangement at the Battle of Leetown

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  Pea Ridge National Military Park

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  Troop deployment at Elkhorn Tavern

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  The last hour of the battle

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  Curtis's headquarters at Pratt's Store

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  Brig. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, Commanding

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  Brig. Gen. Franz Sigel, 1st and 2d Divisions

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  Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn, Commanding

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  Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, Mo. State Guard

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  Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch, McCulloch's Division

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  Brig. Gen. Albert Pike, Department of Indian Territory