Pea Ridge
Pea Ridge, AR 72751
GPS: 36.447443 / -94.115558
Pea Ridge is located in the northeast corner of Benton County, just a few miles south of the Arkansas - Missouri State Line. Part of the Ozarks Region, it is rich in history and heritage. A big draw is Pea Ridge National Military Park, the site of one of the largest Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River. Pea Ridge marks the successful culmination of the Union's effort to secure control of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and protect the arsenal at St. Louis, which made easier the supply of Gen. Grant's Vicksburg campaign. The park encompasses 4,300 acres and includes a seven-mile, self-guided tour with 10 stops featuring wayside exhibits.
The park’s Elkhorn Tavern is a historic stop not only in regard to the Civil War, but also because of the Butterfield Overland Mail Co and the Trail of Tears.
Pea Ridge National Military Park, the site of one of the largest Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River. Pea Ridge marks the successful culmination of the Union's effort to secure control of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and protect the arsenal at St. Louis, which made easier the supply of Gen. Grant's Vicksburg campaign. The park encompasses 4,300 acres and includes a seven-mile, self-guided tour with 10 stops featuring wayside exhibits.
The park’s Elkhorn Tavern is a historic stop not only in regard to the Civil War, but also because of the Butterfield Overland Mail Co and the Trail of Tears.
While the tavern wasn’t a designated stop, it was a popular stop for the stagecoach. At the park, one of the most well-preserved parts of the route can be walked northward of the rebuilt tavern. The national park and Butterfield Overland trail are part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System, a statewide system of historic trails that not only educate residents and promote state history, but also encourages cultural and heritage tourism.
Pea Ridge National Military Park, the site of one of the largest Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River. Pea Ridge marks the successful culmination of the Union's effort to secure control of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and protect the arsenal at St. Louis, which made easier the supply of Gen. Grant's Vicksburg campaign. The park encompasses 4,300 acres and includes a seven-mile, self-guided tour with 10 stops featuring wayside exhibits.
The park’s Elkhorn Tavern is a historic stop not only in regard to the Civil War, but also because of the Butterfield Overland Mail Co and the Trail of Tears.
At least three of the Cherokee removal parties on the Trail of Tears traveled through Northwest Arkansas. The Richard Taylor contingent camped at the Elk Horn Tavern site on March 18, 1839.
Include a day or two to explore the rich heritage of the hill country. Study the traditional folkways, see the wonders of a limestone cavern or visit a craftsman at work. Hideaway in the Ozarks this year.