Elkhorn Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elkhorn Tavern
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | US 62, Pea Ridge, Arkansas |
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| Part of | Pea Ridge National Military Park (ID66000199) |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
Elkhorn Tavern is an important building in Arkansas. It is a two-story, wooden structure that played a big role in the American Civil War. A major battle, the Battle of Pea Ridge, happened right around it. This battle is also called the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern. It took place on March 7 and 8, 1862.
The original tavern was burned down after the war. A new one was built in 1865. This new building is now the main part of the Pea Ridge National Military Park. The park covers about 5,000 acres. It includes the old battlefields and the historic Telegraph Road. A part of the Trail of Tears also runs nearby. Elkhorn Tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Life at Elkhorn Tavern Before the War
The first Elkhorn Tavern was built around 1833. William Ruddick and his son-in-law Samuel Burks built it. It was first known as Ruddick Inn. From 1837 to 1839, the families living there saw a sad event. They watched many Native Americans pass by. This was part of the Trail of Tears. For example, 336 Cherokees camped near the inn in December 1837. By 1839, over 11,000 Native Americans had passed the tavern.
Samuel Burks became the full owner in 1852. In 1858, he sold the house and 313 acres. His cousins, Jesse and Polly Cox, bought it for $3,600. Jesse Cox later renamed it Elkhorn Tavern.
Under Cox's care, the tavern was a busy place. It served as a trading post, where people bought and sold goods. It was also an unofficial stop for the Butterfield Overland Mail. This was a stagecoach service that delivered mail. The tavern also had a post office, a voting place, and a restaurant. It was even a church for the Benton County Baptist Society. When the Civil War got close, Jesse Cox left. He went to Kansas and left the tavern to his son, Joseph, and his wife, Lucinda.
Elkhorn Tavern During the Battle
When the fighting started, the Cox family stayed in their home. Joseph and Lucinda Cox, along with Joseph's mother Polly, went to the cellar. They took only a few things they needed. They stayed in the cellar for three days and nights. The battle raged above them from March 7 to 9, 1862.
The upper floors of the tavern became a temporary hospital. Wounded soldiers were brought there. For a short time, it was also the headquarters for Confederate General Earl Van Dorn. The tavern was hit many times by gunfire. A cannonball even went through the second floor. But the building stayed standing.
When the battle ended on March 9, 1862, the area was a mess. Bodies of soldiers and horses were everywhere. Even the trees around the tavern were broken and scarred.
After the Battle: Rebuilding the Tavern
After the battle, the Cox family moved away for a short time. They wanted to fix and clean up the tavern and the area. While they were gone, a group of bushwhackers attacked. These were groups of fighters who used surprise attacks. They burned the tavern to the ground in January 1863.
Luckily, the original building's foundation and chimneys were still good. So, the Cox family rebuilt the tavern on the same spot. The new building was finished in 1865.
Elkhorn Tavern Becomes a National Park
The Cox family owned Elkhorn Tavern for almost 100 years after the war. Frances Cox Scot was born in the tavern in 1865. She inherited the building after her parents passed away. Frances lived there and even ran a small Civil War museum.
In 1959, the tavern was bought to become part of the new Pea Ridge National Military Park. Frances Scot then moved to nearby Garfield, Arkansas. She passed away the next year at 95 years old.
After the park bought the property, the tavern was fixed up. It was made to look more like it did in 1862. Today, visitors can explore Elkhorn Tavern. Costumed volunteers share stories about the history of the place. They also talk about the people who lived there long ago.
The Story Behind the Elkhorn Name
The tavern got its name from a carpenter. He was on his way to the tavern when he shot an elk. This happened about a quarter mile from the building. He took the elk's horns and gave them to Jesse Cox. Jesse first put them on a pole. Later, he placed them on the roof ridge between the chimneys.
Today, you can see an old set of elk antlers inside the tavern. The park often replaces the antlers on the roof. This is because they can get damaged by weather or animals.
