Elkhorn Tavern served as a supply base for General Curtis until the Confederates captured and occupied it. During the battle, the tavern was turned into a field hospital for both Union & Confederate soldiers. Unfortunately, Confederate guerrillas burned the original tavern in 1863, but the building you see today is a very well done reconstruction.
Also, near the Elkhorn Tavern are two beautiful memorials. Interestingly enough, one of the first Civil War reunions with both Union and Confederate soldiers was held at Pea Ridge just a mere 27 years after the end of the war ( 1889). During the reunion, veterans from both sides dedicated Monuments for remembrance & healing.
We found these monuments very beautiful and peaceful. It’s amazing that, after just a short time, soldiers from both sides came together to place these monuments for all to see.
This is not an area that I know much about so it was quite interesting. And the area is so green and pretty.
I love that the US preserves these battle grounds. It makes for a great way to teach kids about history that they can relate to. Thanks for sharing about this one. Pinning for future reference!
Interesting. I don’t think I have ever been to a National Military Park. I did not know that they were a thing.
It looks like a beautiful area to explore, although it must be very poignant once you think of all the casualties and what took place there! I especially like the look of the view from the East lookout!
What a fascinating place and history! I must admit Arkansas wasn’t on my list but it looks like there’s a lot of nice things to go there! 🙂
I’ve never heard of Pea Ridge before. It sounds like it has such an interesting history being part of the Civil War and the Trail of Tears. It’s not something I know a lot about but it looks like the park gives a great history lesson on it. The scenery looks beautiful now, it’s hard to imagine it as a battlefield where so many people died.
This looks like both a beautiful and interesting place to spend the day! I’ll admit I know almost nothing about Civil War history, but visiting this site would be a great way to learn.
Great experience! I also like to visit such parks, forts or other historical sites and learn about history! I haven´t heart about the Pea Ridge National Military Park yet, so thank you for introducing it to us!
I’ve never heard of this place before but it seems like a really interesting place to visit, and beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
While traveling last year, hubby and I came upon this park and decided to take advantage. Really enjoyed the museum, and the driving tour was great—it’s a beautiful park, and we were so glad we spent the morning there.
A few weeks later, as I was researching my family history, I found that my great-great-grandfather was part of the Texas (Confederate) Regiment that had fought at Pea Ridge!
Now I want to go back so that I can STUDY the battlefield, and not just enjoy it! Thanks for the post—pleasant memories!
How interesting that your discovered an ancestral link to Peak Ridge National Military Park!
It really is a lovely way to spend the day and also learn about history.
So glad that you enjoyed visiting! You’ll have to search records and see if you can find details on you gg grandfather’s service there.
I already know that my brother and my man would love to visit this park! Everything that’s around history and war is always interesting for them but this park gives also a beautiful walks and views! A great combination not only for men 😉