Civil War In Arkansas, a Unit Study

Unit studies are where the entire learning experience revolves around a topic. In this unit study, Arkansas’ role in the Civil War is addressed. This Civil War lesson plan will include field trips to Prairie Grove and Pea Ridge battlegrounds, English, math, art, and science will all be addressed as the unity study will revolve around the Civil War. These topics will be covered in other articles in this series.

Although the state of Arkansas was not the site of the well known Civil War battles like Gettysburg and Antietam, nor was the state part of Sherman’s March, Arkansas did play a major role in the Civil War. Northwest Arkansas battles determined the fate of the Missouri Territory. Battlegrounds and other historic sites are a reminder to what has passed.

Have students locate Arkansas on a map of the US. Students should look for rivers that create the border of this state. In addition have them locate the northwest part of Arkansas. Ask the students if they think these rivers are important now and back in 1862. What importance do rivers have?

On a state map of Arkansas, students should locate the towns of Prairie Grove and Pea Ridge. The battlefields should be marked. As these battles occurred simultaneously, have students determine the mileage between these two cities. Ask the students to think about roads back then. How was travel from Pea Ridge to Prairie Grove different back in 1862? During the Civil War, could a person travel from these two places within a day? Why or why not?

If possible locate an old map through the National Archives or other source. The old map can be a reproduction. Compare the state of Arkansas today to the Missouri Territory back in 1862. How are they different? Are the towns of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove shown? How do you think the battles and troop movement (both Union and Confederate) effected local homes and farms?

These concepts can be reinforced with a trip to a battlefield. If you are located within driving distance to Northwest Arkansas, there are 2 battlefields in particular that are of interest.

The first is Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield located in Pea Ridge AR. The website is www.nps.gov/peri/

Here on 4,300 acres, the battle that decided the fate of Missouri was fought. On December 7 & 8, 1862 the battle of Elkhorn Tavern was fought. Fighting at this location was just several miles from the Prairie Grove battlefield. The park has an entrance fee and group rates are available.

A second battlefield worth exploring is Prairie Grove. The park’s website is http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield/

This battlefield has the distinction of being one of the most completely intact Civil War battlefields still in existence. The battlefield commemorates the battle between the Confederate Army of the Tran Mississippi and the Union Army of the Frontier. On December 7, 1862 these two forces clashed resulting in almost 3,000 casualties. There is a two mile self guided trail through the park. For a detailed tour of the museum and the buildings located on the ground a fee is charged. A driving tour complete with cassette recorded tape is another option for some groups. It would be difficult to perform this particular tour by school bus.

Visiting each website will offer educators the chance to enhance classroom learning about the Civil War. After visiting the actual battlefields, revisit some of the above questions to see if the students’ answers have changed.

There are more topics to this unit study. Science, English, Art, Music, and Math will be covered in other articles in this series.