PRAIRIE GROVE -- Six tents recently dotted the grounds of Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park with the goal to give campers a glimpse into the life of a soldier fighting in the Civil War battle.
The state park hosted its first Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove Campout earlier this month. In all, about 15 people participated from the area.
Laura Jennings, park interpreter, said she hoped the campout would help people realize what these men were going through and help them make connections with the battle.
The Dec. 7, 1862, Civil War battle began at dawn and ended with the defeat of the Union cavalry by Confederate mounted soldiers. Confederate forces lost 1,400 men while the Union army lost more than 1,200 soldiers.
Temperatures dipped into the teens the night of the battle. These soldiers did not have tents, Jennings said. They were camping out in the open air. During the day of the battle, temperatures warmed up to the 50s.
For the campout, temperatures ranged around 25 at night, but the windchill made it seem much colder than that. Jennings' campers could use the Latta Barn as a warming house and for restrooms.
The Civil War soldiers didn't have that luxury, Jennings said.
"We had it made, compared to them," she added.
According to some who camped out, Jennings' goals were met.
Jacob and Sarah Phaneuf and their two children participated in the campout and said they know more about the battle now.
Jacob grew up in Prairie Grove.
"I never understood the battle like I do now," Jacob Phaneuf said. "This brought it to life."
Sarah also agreed it was a great experience and already is thinking of friends she wants to invite to it next year.
"I'm still trying to keep it all in order," Sarah said.
The campout included a walking tour under the moon with lanterns for light where Jennings talked about formations that occurred along the ridge. Later in the evening, they went to the Borden House to hear what happened there during the battle.
Their son, Gibson, learned that the Borden House burned in the war and the father had to run to Texas.
Sarah said Jennings was "fabulous and told great stories."
Like her husband, she said Jennings made the Battle of Prairie Grove come to life for everyone there.
Her husband added, "She painted a picture for us."
Bob Chisum of West Fork camped at the state park with his son, Amos Chisum. Two women planned to camp with them but ended up backing out because of the cold weather.
Bob Chisum said he was glad the state park sponsored the campout because it provides another way for people to use the park.
He noted soldiers in the Prairie Grove battle not only were cold but they were being shot at.
"Think about being shot at when it's that cold. We're not being shot at," Chisum said.
Jennings said she believes the first campout was successful but she was glad a small group participated the first time. It was her first time to cook on a Dutch oven and it gave her a chance the gauge the logistics of organizing such an event.
"I think it was fun and everyone had a good time," Jennings said. "I feel people are more attuned with what happened here."
Jennings plans to make the campout an annual event, probably on the second weekend of December.
General News on 12/27/2017