Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park |
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During the Battle of Prairie Grove, on December 7, 1862, the Borden Farm was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the day.
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| Location | Prairie Grove, Arkansas |
| Area | 707.8 acres (286.4 ha) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Original use | Field, forest, battlefield |
| Governing body | Arkansas State Parks |
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Prairie Grove Battlefield
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| NRHP reference No. | 70000133 (original) 92001523 (increase 1) 05001167 (increase 2) |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1970 |
| Boundary increases | November 9, 1992 October 27, 2005 |
The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a special place in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. It helps us remember the Battle of Prairie Grove. This important battle happened on December 7, 1862, during the American Civil War. The battle helped the U.S. Army gain control of northwestern Arkansas.
Contents
History of Prairie Grove Park
How the Park Began
In 1908, a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) bought a small piece of land. It was about 9 acres (3.6 hectares) in the middle of the battlefield. The UDC used this land for meetings and to honor the battle for nearly 50 years.
Early Improvements and Challenges
A local businessman and politician, J. Sherman Dill, helped get $10,000 for the park. This money was used to build a stone archway at the entrance. They also added a wooden bandstand and a gravel driveway around 1925. However, during the Great Depression, a tough time when many people lost their jobs, the park became run down. It was even fenced off for several years.
Bringing the Park Back to Life
In 1953, a new Lions Club chapter decided to help the park. They raised money through community events. They built benches, picnic tables, and sidewalks. In 1957, a tall stone chimney, 55 feet (17 meters) high, was carefully moved to the park. It came from nearby Rhea's Mill Township. Other old buildings, like an 1834 log home and a blacksmith's shop, were also moved there later.
The Hindman Museum and State Park Status
A museum was built thanks to a gift from Biscoe Hindman. He was the grandson of Confederate General Thomas C. Hindman. General Hindman led soldiers during the battle. The museum, named Hindman Hall, opened on May 31, 1964. In 1971, the park officially became part of the state park system. This happened because of efforts by Governor Dale Bumpers and other state leaders. The park grew bigger over the years with more land added in 1980, 1992, and 2005.
Special Features of the Park
The park has a battle monument to honor the soldiers. There is also the relocated chimney from a skirmish site. The Hindman Museum teaches visitors about the battle. Across from the park entrance, you can see the Prairie Grove Airlight Outdoor Telephone Booth. This unique phone booth is also a historic landmark.
Experience a Civil War Reenactment
Reliving History at Prairie Grove
Every two years, during the first weekend of December, the park hosts a special event. It's an American Civil War reenactment. People dress up in historical clothes and act out parts of the battle. It's a great way to see history come alive!
See also
- Borden House (Prairie Grove, Arkansas)
- List of Arkansas state parks
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Arkansas
