City of Soldiers
In early March 1862, these now quiet fields bustled with the clamor and constant motion of an army headquarters in time of battle. Soldiers drilled, cleaned guns, and checked ammunition. Scouts and couriers rode in to report. Officers convened for councils of war. Mules brayed and teamsters swore. Teams pulling wagons and artillery rattled by.
Here, across the road from Samuel Pratt's store, decisions were made that would determine the fate of two armies - and the state of Missouri. A temporary city of soldiers covered the field before you and the surrounding area. Here you would have seen the nerve center of the Union army during the two-day fight for Pea Ridge.
There was heavy military traffic along the Telegraph Road that now lies in part under the battlefield tour road behind you.
Marker is on Military Park Road (County Road 65), on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
