Battle of Pea Ridge reenactment scheduled

From Staff Reports

Participants are invited to register for the Battle of Pea Ridge reenactment which is set for Sept. 24-27, 2015, on the Webb Family Farm, four miles north of downtown Pea Ridge.

The farm is a picturesque and pristine 340 acre seventh-generation farmstead located in the Greenbelt surrounding the 4,300-acre Pea Ridge National Military Park, the best preserved Civil War Battlefield in the nation, according to Steve Bailey, Civil War reenactor.

The sponsor is the Arkansas Reenactor Educational Assoc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit tax-deductible public charity corporation designed to raise funds for historical preservation, e.g. the Pea Ridge National Military Park Foundation. Pea Ridge is being run by reenactors, for reenactors. Everyone is welcome, as is the Trans-Mississippi general rule.

Wood, water, hay, sanitation, and $2,000,000 insurance is available for only $8 per person, military or civilian reenactor. There will be four battles fought over three days, taken from the pages of history, straight out of the annals of Shea and Hesse. Welfley's Knoll, the fight for the Elkhorn Tavern, and other vignettes, will portray the largest and most significant Battle of the Civil War fought West of the Mississippi River.

The participants will make history at this event, possibly the largest in Arkansas history. Tickets for spectators are $10 a day or $22 for a three-day pass; children under 16 are free. Participants may send a personal check, cashier's check, or money order to Arkansas Reenactor Educational Assoc. (AREA), INC. 12674 Gooseberry Spur, Bentonville, AR 72712. Please note brigade and unit affiliation when you send in your registration check. Walk-ons are welcome but must drill and pass inspection to participate.

Rick Hunt, Brigadier General of the Trans-Mississippi Brigade, said: "It's time we have a major Civil War reenactment this side of the Mississippi River. Pea Ridge is an event we need in the West."

The site is located at 17398 Patterson Rd., Pea Ridge, Ark. Any comments, questions, or concerns can be directed to Bailey 479-685-7777, or Clinton 479-899-2763, or for assistance with artillery registration call Paul at 479-631-9597.

This Civil War reenactment is endorsed by the Sons of the American Revolution, Daniel McKissic Chapter, Bella Vista, Ark.

Community on 07/08/2015