Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

On Nov. 8, 2007, an assessment team determined the risk from wildland fire to the homes and structures in Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. Members of the team were Jessee Cox, Park Superintendent; Jerry McCosiley, Maintenance Supervisor/Park Tech III; Jessee McCoy, Maintenance/Park Tech I; Dennis Spear, AFC Washington County Ranger III, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator.

It was determined that the park is eligible for recognition as an Arkansas FireWise Community, since there are seven homes within the park boundary. There are two residences for park staff, three life-estate residences and two abandoned homes.

The maintenance staff will conduct home risk assessments on the five occupied homes and then a Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be prepared. The park has already made significant steps in reducing the wildfire risk with an outstanding fuel removal and mowing program in place around all structures.

History of Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

On Dec. 7, 1862, Confederate soldiers under the command of General Thomas C. Hindman faced Union troop Generals James G. Blunt and F.J. Herron in this quiet spot in the Northwest Arkansas community of Prairie Grove. When darkness fell, the Confederate Army retreated. It was to be the last major Civil War battle in the area.

In 1908, the United Daughters of the Confederacy bought land in Prairie Grove as a place for Civil War reunions. The park became part of the state parks system in 1971, and is today considered to be one of the most intact battlefields of the Civil War (it looks much the same as it did at the time of the battle).

The park's mission is to give visitors an understanding of the battle, and to educate people as to the effect the fighting had on Ozark culture and people.

The park is located on U.S. Highway 62 in Prairie Grove, southwest of Fayetteville. More information is available on the park web site www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield.