Setting the Stage

The Battle of Prairie Grove ended in a tactical draw-the costs of which were 2,700 killed, wounded, or missing men.

On Sunday, December 7, 1862, General Thomas C. Hindman's Confederate Army arrived at Prairie Grove with one goal in mind: Destroy the Federal Army of the Frontier and clear the way for a heroic return to Missouri.

Taking advantage of the high ground, the Confederate deployed along this ridge and awaited a Federal attack. The federals did not disapoint and twice stormed the ridge in an effort to break through the Confederate lines. They failed, and the Confederates followed each with a charge of their own. These too failed. After hours of fighting, neither army had secured their objective and over 2,700 men were dead, wounded, or missing.

Follow this trail through the areas where some of the heaviest fighting occured during the battle of Prairie Grove.