Battle of Prairie Grove facts for kids

The Battle of Prairie Grove was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Arkansas on December 7, 1862. Even though neither side completely won the battle, the Union army managed to keep control of northwest Arkansas for the rest of the war. This battle was a key moment in the war's western part.

What Was the American Civil War?

The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States. It lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states). The main reasons for the war included disagreements over slavery and states' rights.

Why Was Arkansas Important?

Arkansas was a border state during the Civil War. This meant it was located between the Union and Confederate territories. Both sides wanted to control Arkansas. It was important because of its rivers and resources. Controlling Arkansas helped armies move supplies and soldiers.

Who Fought at Prairie Grove?

The Battle of Prairie Grove involved two main groups of soldiers. The Union army was led by two generals. The Confederate army had its own leader.

Union Leaders and Their Armies

The Union forces were made up of two divisions.

• One division was led by General James G. Blunt. His soldiers were from Kansas, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
• The other Union division was led by General Francis J. Herron. His troops marched quickly to join General Blunt. They came from Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois.

Together, these Union forces aimed to push the Confederates out of northwest Arkansas.

Confederate Leaders and Their Armies

The Confederate army at Prairie Grove was commanded by General Thomas C. Hindman. His soldiers were mostly from Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri. General Hindman wanted to stop the Union advance. He hoped to take back control of northern Arkansas for the Confederacy.

How Did the Battle Happen?

The battle took place near a small community called Prairie Grove. The area had open fields and wooded hills. This made it a challenging place to fight.

The Union Plan

General Blunt's Union troops were already in the area. General Herron's troops were marching fast to meet them. The Union plan was to attack the Confederates from two sides. They hoped to trap General Hindman's army.

The Confederate Position

General Hindman knew the Union armies were coming. He chose a strong defensive position on a ridge. This ridge gave his soldiers a good view of the approaching Union troops. He planned to stop the Union attack there.

Fighting Begins

On December 7, 1862, the battle started. General Blunt's soldiers attacked the Confederate lines first. The fighting was very fierce. Both sides used cannons and rifles. Soldiers fought bravely in the fields and woods.

Herron's Arrival

Later in the day, General Herron's troops arrived. They had marched a long distance to join the battle. Their arrival surprised the Confederates. Herron's soldiers immediately joined the fight, adding more pressure to the Confederate lines.

Back and Forth Attacks

The battle continued for many hours. There were several attacks and counterattacks. Both sides gained ground and then lost it. The fighting was very intense, and many soldiers were hurt or killed. Neither side could completely defeat the other.

What Was the Outcome of Prairie Grove?

As night fell, the fighting stopped. Both armies were exhausted.

A Strategic Union Victory

Even though neither side won a clear victory on the battlefield, the Union army achieved its main goal. The Confederates, led by General Hindman, decided to retreat during the night. They left the area, moving south. This meant the Union army kept control of northwest Arkansas.

Impact on the War

The Battle of Prairie Grove was important for several reasons:

• It secured Union control over a key part of Arkansas.
• It prevented the Confederates from moving north into Missouri.
• It showed the bravery and determination of soldiers on both sides.
• The Union's hold on this region lasted for the rest of the war.

Images for kids

• 

  Herron

• 

  Hindman

• 

  Blunt

• 

  Battle of Prairie Grove. North is down.

• 

  Map of Prairie Grove Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program