Copyright: - US National Park Service
Pea Ridge National Military Park
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Description
- Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300 acre Civil War Battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union. On March 7 & 8, nearly 26,000 soldiers fought to determine whether Missouri would remain under Union control, and whether or not Federal armies could continue their offensive south through the Mississippi River Valley. The Union victory led to the Union's total control of Missouri. Pea Ridge was the only major Civil War battle in which Native Americans participated; about 1,000 Cherokees fought with the Confederates.The visitor center serves as point of entry into the park. There is a picnic area near the visitor center. The museum and slide presentation are designed to provide background and orientation to the story of the battle. It is recommended that the visitor see these exhibits before beginning the tour. The drive through the battlefield and its ten stops are designed to provide information relative to battle action and significant features in each area of the park. The park features an eleven mile equestrian trail, and a ten mile hiking trail.
Recreation - Pea Ridge National Military Park is an excellent place for viewing wildlife, especially white tailed deer and wild turkey, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. Climate - Arkansas has a temperate climate with the coldest temperatures near freezing during December, January and February. Daytime highs for these months usually reach 55 degrees F. Spring and fall temperatures are very mild with lows dipping to 44 degrees F and highs reaching 70 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. June and September average temperatures usually reach into the mid-eighties. Spring and winter months are the wettest of the year. Location -
Pea Ridge National Military Park is 90 miles northeast of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Take I-44 east to I-540. Go north to Fayetteville and US 71. Follow US 71 to US 62 east, then to the park.
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