Pea Ridge National Military Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pea Ridge National Military Park |
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Elkhorn Tavern at Pea Ridge National Military Park
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 Pea Ridge National Military Park
Location in Arkansas
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Benton County, Arkansas, United States |
| Nearest city | Garfield |
| Area | 4,300 acres (17 km2) |
| Established | July 20, 1956 |
| Visitors | 80,455 (in 2020) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Pea Ridge National Military Park |
| Designated: | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference #: | 66000199 |
Pea Ridge National Military Park is a special place in northwest Arkansas. It is a United States National Military Park located close to the Missouri border. This park protects the land where the important Battle of Pea Ridge happened.
The battle was fought on March 7 and 8, 1862, during the American Civil War. The Union army won this battle. This victory helped the Union gain control of Missouri, which was a very important state at the time.
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Creating Pea Ridge National Military Park
The Pea Ridge National Military Park covers about 4,300 acres (17 square kilometers). It was created by a law passed by the United States Congress in 1956. The main goal was to save the battlefield from the 1862 Battle of Pea Ridge.
The park was officially opened in 1963. This happened during the 100-year anniversary of the American Civil War. It was a big step for protecting important Civil War sites.
How the Park Land Was Acquired
In 1956, lawmakers from Arkansas suggested making Pea Ridge a national military park. At that time, the National Park Service usually only saved small areas for monuments. However, Congress agreed to accept a large gift of about 5,000 acres (20 square kilometers) from the state of Arkansas.
To create the park, the government bought land from many farms and homes. Sometimes, they used a process called "eminent domain." This means the government can buy private land for public use, even if the owner does not want to sell.
Many houses and buildings were moved away from the park area. All other buildings were taken down, except for the historic Elkhorn Tavern. This tavern was a key spot during the battle.
Remembering the Battle: Veteran Reunions
Long before it became a park, soldiers who fought at Pea Ridge held reunions there. The first reunions happened in 1887, 25 years after the battle. These gatherings helped the soldiers remember their experiences. They also helped bring healing between former enemies.
During these reunions, the veterans put up the first monuments. These monuments honored the soldiers who died from both the Union and Confederate armies. You can still see these monuments in the park today.
Visiting the Park Today
Pea Ridge National Military Park is known as one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields. It offers many ways for visitors to learn and explore.
What to See and Do
The park has a visitor center and a museum. Here, you can learn about the battle and its history. There is also a driving tour that takes you around the important parts of the battlefield.
You can walk on hiking trails and see the restored battlefields. A part of the old Telegraph/Wire Road from before the war is also there. About 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of the Trail of Tears also runs through the park. This was a path followed by some members of the Cherokee Nation.
The historic Elkhorn Tavern has been restored. It was at the center of much of the fighting during the battle. Visiting it helps you imagine what it was like during that time.
Images for kids
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Elkhorn Tavern
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Artillery piece
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Visitor Center
See also
