Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hindman, CSA

Hindman had about 11,000 men against perhaps 13,000 Union troops.

Casualties were modest, both sides losing about 1,250 men.

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 maneuvered his larger 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 opened an artillery duel. The Union troops assaulted twice and were repulsed twice. The Confederates counterattacked, were halted by Union canister, and then advanced again. Some regiments of Ozark small farmers, unwilling conscripts, charged with unloaded weapons, unwilling to fire on the US flag.

Just when it looked as if the Rebel attack would roll up Herron's troops, Blunt's men hit 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.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.