Battle of Prairie Grove

Battle of Prairie Grove Fayetteville Began: December 7, 1862 Ended: Same day Location: Washington County, Arkansas Theater: Trans-Mississippi Theater Campaign: Prairie Grove Campaign Outcome: Union victory (strategic) Combatants Army of the Frontier I Corps, Trans-Mississippi Army Commanders Francis J. Herron Brigadier General, USA James G. Blunt Brigadier General, USA Thomas C. Hindman Major General, CSA Strength 9,216 11,059 Casualties 1,251 1,317

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.