Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park |
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 Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Prairie Grove, Arkansas |
| Area | 707.8 acres (286.4 ha) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Named for | Battle of Prairie Grove |
| Owner | Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism |
| Official website: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield/ | |
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Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
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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 09, 1992 October 27, 2005 |
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a special park in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. It remembers the Battle of Prairie Grove, a big fight during the American Civil War. This battle happened on December 7, 1862. It was important because it helped the Union take control of northwestern Arkansas.
Contents
Park History: Remembering the Past
Early Efforts to Preserve the Battlefield
In 1908, a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy bought about 9 acres of land. This land was right in the middle of where the Battle of Prairie Grove took place. For nearly 50 years, this group used the land. They held meetings there and remembered the battle.
A local business owner and politician named J. Sherman Dill wanted to make the park better. He worked in the Arkansas government. In 1925, he helped get $10,000 to improve the park. This money helped build a stone archway at the entrance. They also added a wooden bandstand and a gravel driveway.
Challenges and Rebuilding the Park
During the Great Depression, a tough time for the country, the park became run down. It was even fenced off for many years. But in 1953, a new Lion's Club chapter decided to help. They raised money and built benches, picnic tables, and sidewalks.
In 1957, something amazing happened. A tall stone chimney, 55 feet high, was carefully moved to the park. It came from a nearby place called Rhea's Mill. Later, other old buildings were also moved to the park. These included a log home from 1834 and a blacksmith's shop.
Hindman Hall Museum and Park Growth
A museum was built thanks to a gift from Biscoe Hindman. He was the grandson of General Thomas C. Hindman, who led the Confederate soldiers in the battle. The museum opened on May 31, 1964, and is called Hindman Hall.
In 1971, the park officially became part of the state park system. This happened because of efforts from Governor Dale Bumpers and state leaders. The park continued to grow over the years. More land was added in 1980, 1992, and 2005.
The park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It was first added in 1970 and has grown to cover about 707.8 acres.
Park Features: What to See and Do
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park has many interesting things to see. You can find a monument dedicated to the battle. There is also the historic chimney that was moved here. The Hindman Museum is a great place to learn more about the battle.
Civil War Reenactments
Every two years, in December of even-numbered years, a special event takes place. People dress up in old uniforms and act out the Civil War battle. It's a fun way to see what the battle might have been like!
Nearby Historic Site
Right across from the park entrance, on U.S. 62, you can see the Prairie Grove Airlight Outdoor Telephone Booth. This old telephone booth is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
