Battle Name: |
Prairie Grove |
Other Names: |
Fayetteville |
State: |
Arkansas |
Location: |
Washington County |
Campaign: |
Prairie Grove Campaign (1862) |
Dates: |
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) |
Description: |
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. |
Results: |
Union strategic victory |