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 park in the United States that protects a historic battlefield. It is located in northwest Arkansas, close to the Missouri border. The park keeps safe the place where the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought on March 7 and 8, 1862. This battle was a big win for the Union army. It helped them gain control of Missouri, which was a very important border state during the American Civil War.
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Creating Pea Ridge National Military Park
Preserving the Battlefield
The Pea Ridge National Military Park covers about 4,300 acres (17 square kilometers). It was created by a law from Congress in 1956. The park's main goal is to protect the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which happened in 1862. It officially became a national park in 1963, during the 100-year anniversary of the American Civil War.
In 1956, lawmakers from Arkansas suggested a new law to make Pea Ridge a national military park. This was a big step for saving Civil War battlefields. Before this, the National Park Service usually only saved a very small area, like one acre, for a monument. But on July 20, 1956, Congress passed a law to accept a large gift of about 5,000 acres from the state of Arkansas.
Acquiring the Land for the Park
To create the park, the government bought land from many farms and homes. Sometimes, if owners did not want to sell, the government used a process called "eminent domain." This means the government can take private land for public use, like a park, after paying a fair price. Many buildings were sold and moved away from the park area. All other buildings, except for the important historic Elkhorn Tavern, were taken down.
Veterans' Reunions and Monuments
Long before Pea Ridge became a national park, soldiers who fought there, both from the Union and Confederate armies, held many reunions. The first of these gatherings happened in 1887, 25 years after the battle. These reunions helped the former soldiers remember the past and find healing after the war. During these events, veterans placed the first monuments to honor those who died in the battle. You can still see these monuments in the park today.
Exploring the Park Today
Pea Ridge National Military Park is known as one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields. When you visit, you can find a visitor center and a museum to learn more. There's also a driving tour that takes you through the important parts of the battlefield. You can explore hiking trails and see a section of the old Telegraph/Wire Road from before the war. The park also includes about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of the Trail of Tears, which was followed by some members of the Cherokee Nation. Don't miss the restored Elkhorn Tavern, which was a very important spot during the battle.
Images for kids
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Elkhorn Tavern
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Artillery piece
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Visitor Center
See also
