Pea Ridge is a town in the Arkansas Ozarks region, known as the scene for the large Battle of Pea Ridge during the American Civil War. Today, the former battle field is one the best preserved battle fields in the country, and maintained as the Pea Ridge National Military park.

Understand

The Battle of Pea Ridge was the largest battle west of the Mississippi, bringing some 16,000 Confederate troops and 10,500 Union troops together for a fierce battle, resulting in at least 3,384 casualties and a victory for the Union forces. Some of the many soldiers who took part live on in the street names of town. East-West oriented streets are named after Confederate men, while the north-south oriented ones are named after Union soldiers.

Get in

The main highway in is the Arkansas Highway 94, passing town in south to northwest direction. Highway 72 leads east and connects to U.S. Route 62, which is the way to the Military Park.

Get around

The Military Park and former battle fields are located some five miles east of the town centre.

See

Pea Ridge National Military Park

• Pea Ridge National Military Park, ☏ +1 479-451-8122. Established in 1956, this is one of the best preserved Civil War battle grounds around. It has a total size of some 17km2, protecting the core sites of the famous 1862 battle. It houses a visitors center and museum, as well as the restored Elkhorn Tavern, which pretty much was the main focal point of the battle. You can see the battle field, pieces of the pre-war Telegraph road and more. 

Sleep

• Battlefield Inn & RV Park, Highway 62, East Pea Ridge.