Battle of Pea Ridge
The Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, was a significant engagement during the American Civil War, taking place from March 6 to March 8, 1862, in northwest Arkansas. This battle marked a key victory for Union forces under Major General Samuel R. Curtis against the Confederate Army of the West, led by Major General Earl Van Dorn. With nearly 6,000 casualties—1,300 Union and 4,500 Confederate soldiers—the conflict underscored the intensity and human cost of the war. The battle began with an attempt by Van Dorn to outflank Curtis, but the Union commander successfully countered the maneuver, leading to a series of confrontations. Notably, the strategic area surrounding Elkhorn Tavern changed hands during the engagement. Ultimately, the Union forces regrouped and launched a decisive counterattack, forcing the Confederates to retreat across the Mississippi River. The outcome of this battle played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the Civil War in the western theater.
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Battle of Pea Ridge
Battle of Pea Ridge
In the Civil War's Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, Union forces scored an important victory over the Confederates in the western theater of the war across the Mississippi River. The battle claimed nearly 6,000 casualties: 1,300 Union soldiers and 4,500 Confederates.
The campaign began on March 6, 1862. Major General Samuel R. Curtis commanded the Union forces in the vicinity of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, while Major General Earl Van Dorn commanded forces of the Confederate Army of the West. In the evening of March 6, Van Dorn's Confederates moved to outflank Curtis's position near Pea Ridge, with the goal of dividing the Union forces. Curtis discovered the enemy's maneuver, however, and on March 7 moved to meet Van Dorn. The resulting clash halted the Confederates. Van Dorn attacked again, this time taking the strategic Elkhorn Tavern area. On March 8, Curtis regrouped and deployed both his troops and artillery against the enemy. The Confederates, low on ammunition, were forced to withdraw back across the Mississippi.