Prairie Grove
Fayetteville, Arkansas
December 7, 1862
Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hindman sought to destroy Brig. Gen.
Francis Herron's and Brig. Gen. James Blunt's divisions before they
joined forces. Hindman placed his large force between the two Union
divisions, turning on Herron first and routing his cavalry. As
Hindman pursued the cavalry, he met Herron's infantry which pushed
him back.
The Rebels then established their line of battle on a wooded
high ridge northeast of Prairie Grove Church. Herron brought his
artillery across the Illinois River and initiated an artillery duel.
The Union troops assaulted twice and were repulsed. The Confederates
counterattacked, were halted by Union canister, and then moved
forward again. Just when it looked as if the Rebel attack would roll
up Herron's troops, Blunt's men assailed the Confederate left flank.
As night came, neither side had won, but Hindman retreated to Van
Buren. Hindman's retreat established Federal control of northwest
Arkansas.
Result(s):
Draw; but Union strategic victory
Location:
Washington County
Campaign:
Prairie Grove Campaign (1862)
Date(s):
December 7, 1862
Principal
Commanders: Brig. Gen. Francis J.
Herron and Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt [US]; Maj. Gen. Thomas C.
Hindman [CS]
Forces
Engaged: Army of the Frontier [US]; I
Corps, Trans-Mississippi Army [CS]
Estimated
Casualties:
2,568 total (US 1,251; CS 1,317)
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