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 | 114,234 (in 2011) |
| 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 close to the Missouri border. This park protects the land where a very important battle happened. This was the Battle of Pea Ridge, fought during the American Civil War. The battle took place on March 7 and 8, 1862. The Union army won this big fight. Their victory helped them control Missouri, which was a key state during the war.
Why Pea Ridge Became a Park
Pea Ridge National Military Park covers about 4,300 acres. It was created by a special law from the United States Congress. This happened 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 was during the 100-year anniversary of the Civil War.
In 1956, leaders from Arkansas suggested making Pea Ridge a national military park. This was a big step for saving Civil War battlefields. Before this, only a small area, about one acre, would usually be saved. A monument would be placed there. But on July 20, 1956, Congress agreed to accept a gift of 5,000 acres. This land was donated by the state of Arkansas.
To create the park, the government bought many farms and homes. Some land was also taken using a process called eminent domain. This means the government can buy private land for public use. Many houses and buildings were sold and moved away from the park. Some of these old buildings are still standing in nearby Pea Ridge. All other buildings in the park were torn down. Only the historic Elkhorn Tavern was saved.
Remembering the Battle
Long before it was a park, Union and Confederate soldiers met at Pea Ridge. They held several reunions on the battlefield. The first reunion was in 1887. This was 25 years after the battle. These meetings helped people remember the battle. They also helped heal the feelings between soldiers from both sides. The veterans put up the first monuments on the battlefield. These honored both Union and Confederate soldiers who died. These monuments are still in the park today.
Visiting the Park Today
Pea Ridge is known as one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields. When you visit, you can find a visitor center and a museum. There is also a driving tour you can take. You can see the restored battlefields. There are also hiking trails to explore.
A part of the old Telegraph/Wire Road is still there. This road was used before the war. About 2.5 miles of the Trail of Tears also runs through the park. This was the path some members of the Cherokee Nation followed. You can also see the restored Elkhorn Tavern. This building was right in the middle of the battle.
Images for kids
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Elkhorn Tavern
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Artillery piece
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Visitor Center
