Pea Ridge National Military Park

Pea Ridge National Military Park in northwestern Arkansas preserves the site of the Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge, a major engagement fought in March 1862 that affected control of Missouri and northern Arkansas. The park protects battlefield landscape, historic structures and interpretive waysides that explain troop movements and actions.

Walking routes and a park road cross portions of the battlefield and point out features such as rifle pits, earthworks and the remains of structures that existed at the time of the battle. The preserved terrain helps visitors follow the course of the two-day fight and understand unit positions and command decisions.

The battle was fought March 7-8, 1862, with Union forces ultimately securing the field; Elkhorn Tavern served as a landmark and focal point during the engagement. The site has been managed as a national military park to preserve battlefield topography and to interpret the military and civilian stories associated with the action.

The park is located in the Ozark foothills of northwestern Arkansas, a few miles from the town of Garfield and roughly 40-50 miles northwest of Fayetteville. The landscape is gently rolling with woodlots and open fields that retain the character of the historic battlefield.

• Battle date and significance: The Battle of Pea Ridge was fought on March 7-8, 1862 and played a key role in Union control of Missouri during the Civil War; the park preserves battlefield terrain and trenches.

What to See #

• Elkhorn Tavern: Elkhorn Tavern, a focal historic structure on the battlefield that played a central role in the two-day engagement of March 7-8, 1862 and now stands as a preserved ruin with interpretive signage.