Multiple significant battle sites and forts lie only a short drive away

While Oklahoma might not be as rich in Civil War history as Pennsylvania or Virginia, there were significant battles and forts in Indian Territory and the surrounding area.

Many of these forts and battlefields are beautiful and close to home, making for fun and educational day and weekend road trips.

Head south

Battle of Honey Springs: 1863 Honey Springs Battlefield Road in Checotah.

Honey Springs Battlefield's public access road is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Interpretive Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. All facilities are closed Mondays and state holidays.

The battlefield includes six interpretive trails with 55 exhibit signs. The trails total about two miles.

For those who want a quicker experience, each trail beginning has a master sign and each can be seen in about 20 minutes. For more information, call 473-5572.

The Battle of Honey Springs was fought July 17, 1863, between Union soldiers led by Gen. James Blunt and Confederate soldiers led by Gen. Douglas Cooper.

It was a decisive victory for Union soldiers in their efforts to control Indian Territory.

Not only was this the largest battle in Indian Territory, with an estimated 716 casualties, it was also unique in that white soldiers were the minority, as the majority were

Battle of Middle Boggy Depot: at the north edge of Atoka on U.S. 69.

This site features the Confederate Memorial Museum and Cemetery; museum and information center open Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rest area and cemetery open 24 hours.

The museum features many Civil War artifacts including a canon and an original officer's campaign table. For more information, call (580) 889-7192.

Fought on Feb. 13, 1864, this battle saw the Union troops of Maj. Charles Willette victorious over the Confederate forces of Col. John Jumper.

The Union troops surprised Confederates at the depot, sparking a 30-minute skirmish that resulted in 47 Confederate casualties before the federal soldiers returned to Fort Gibson.

Fort Gibson: 907 N. Garrison in Fort Gibson.

Summer hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., winter hours are Thursdays through Sundays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adult admission is $3 and student admission is $1.

The historical site includes a reconstruction of the early log fort, as well as original buildings from the 1840s through 1870s. For more information, call 478-4088.

Though briefly held by Confederate forces at the start of the war, the Union Army designated this fort as its main base of operation in Indian Territory. Confederate forces unsuccessfully tried to recapture the fort during the Battle of Honey Springs.

Fort Towson: Located just north of U.S. 70 in Fort Towson.

This site includes a visitor's center and reconstruction of an old store, as well as monuments. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call (580) 873-2634.

While this fort played only a minor role in the Civil War, it did briefly serve as the headquarters for Gen. Sam Bell Maxey. However, this site is most notable as the location of Gen. Stand Watie's surrender, the last Confederate general to lay down his arms.

Fort Washita: Located 12 miles west of Durant on Oklahoma 199.

This site includes ruins of the old fort. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, call (580) 924-6502.

Abandoned by Union troops on April 16, 1861, Confederate troops occupied the fort the following day. The fort served as a major supply depot for Southern forces in Indian Territory.

Gen. Cooper briefly commanded the fort after his defeat at the Battle of Honey Springs. The general is also buried here.

To the east

Pea Ridge National Military Park: Located 10 miles north of Rogers, Ark., on U.S. 62.

The park features a visitor's center, museum, trails and a reconstruction of the Elkhorn Tavern. The park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost is $3 per person between the ages of 16 and 61. For more information, call (479) 451-8122.

On March 7 and 8, 1862, 26,000 soldiers clashed in this pivotal battle leaving an estimated 5,949 dead, including generals Ben McCulloch and James McQueen McIntosh of the Confederacy. The Union victory would lead to its control of Missouri for the next two years.

Prairie Grove State Park and Battlefield: 506 E. Douglas, Prairie Grove, Ark.

This site features a museum, and walking and driving tours of the battlefield. The museum is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adult self-guided tours and $5 for adult guided tours. For more, call (479) 846-2990.

Fought Dec. 7, 1862, this was a strategic victory for the Union, although the 2,568 casualties were nearly evenly split between both sides. Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hindman's retreat left Union forces in control of Arkansas.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield: 6424 West Farm Road 182 near Republic, Mo.

This site features a museum and battlefield. Battlefield, visitor center and tour roads are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 per adult.

Note: The museum will be closed until March 1. For more information, call (417) 732-2662.

Wilson's Creek was the first battle fought west of the Mississippi. It's also the site of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in combat.

The Aug. 10, 1861, battle left an estimated 2,330 dead in this Confederate victory, which served as a springboard for Southern supporters in the state.

Mike Averill 581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com