Yes there are battlefields to see west of the Mississippi! For those Civil War buffs living in the Midwest (or other areas for that matter) who feel that the battlefields of the East are too far away for a decent vacation, there are two battlefields fairly close together that offer an excellent vacation opportunity. The battlefields of Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge (in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas respectively) are only about two hours apart by car. Both could easily be visited in an enjoyable two day overnight trip, or in the same day if you're pressed for time. For the enthusiast with the time, these could also be combined with those in Western Tennessee, such as Stone's River. Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge were the sites of the two major Union-Confederate clashes west of the Mississippi. Both battles were instrumental in preserving Missouri for the Union. The result of these two battles was the elimination of any Confederate threats to Union west of the "Father of Waters." After Pea Ridge, the southwest theater became a military backwater. Both battlefields are nestled in areas that have not been developed. Hence, things look pretty much the way they did when the battles were fought. Visitor's Center The National Park Service Visitor's Centers' Trails are well marked and well laid out. The tour road through Wilson's Creek is also set up for bicycles. But I don't recommend it for small children as it is a bit long and the terrain rather rolling. Re-enactments are performed on some weekends by local groups. More information on this can be obtained by calling the visitor's center at each location. Wilson's Creek is located ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri. From I-44 take exit 70 (Missouri Route MM) south to US 60. Go straight on route M for 3/4 mile to Route ZZ. The battlefield is two miles south on route ZZ. The Visitor Center number is (417)-732-2662. Pea Ridge is located 28 miles north of Fayetteville, Arkansas. From Fayetteville take US 62 north to Rogers. The park is another 20 miles north, off the same road. If you're leaving Wilson's Creek, take US 60 west to Monnett then south on Missouri Route 37 to Seligman on the Missouri-Arkansas border. From Seligman take US 62 south to the battlefield entrance. Other side trips connected with these two National Battlefields include a visit to the National Cemetery in Springfield, MO. This is the only cemetery where Yanks and Reb rest in common ground. Another area worth looking at is Lexington, MO (off I-70, 25 miles east of Kansas City). Relatively unknown to Civil War buffs, this small battlefield is the site of the "Battle of the Bales." Where Union troops took a defensive position behind the stacked cotton bales against attacking Confederates. (National Park managed Battlefields usually charge a nominal sum for admission. Approximately $2-4 for adults. Children under 17 and "senior" citizens over 61 are always free. There is always a picnic area nearby. Without a doubt they are the best buy for your money, allowing you to combine history and a family outing. -- Ed.) Pete Warnock is an archaeologist who specializes in plants of the ancient world. He is currently in Amman, Jordan on a 10 week assignment. Back to Cry Havoc #3 Table of Contents Back to Cry Havoc List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1993 by David W. Tschanz. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com