The Arkansas Forest Trail That Holds Long Forgotten Secrets Of The Civil War
By Carol Ann Carson|Published November 18, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Pea Ridge National Military Park is one of the most well-preserved civil war battlefields in the nation. Today’s trail is an easily missed hike in the park but should not be overlooked. The Williams Hollow Trail leads you to retrace the steps of the soldiers while also showing glimpses of their war-torn lives. Let’s learn a little history and see these echos of the past.
The Elkhorn Tavern is one of the many must-sees during a trip to the military park but there's another adventure just around the back.
In 1862 the building was transformed from merry tavern to the Federal army's main supply camp. The great-nephew of Andrew Jackson, Earl Van Dorn, even used the Elkhorn as his headquarters for a short time. The Elkhorn Tavern holds a ton of history but there's even more to be seen!
Just on the other side of the tavern is a peaceful loop called the Williams Hollow Trail.
The trail is 2.2-miles long (or about three and a half clicks) and primarily follows an old military road. The road itself has quite a bit of history. This segment originally connected to St. Louis shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and was later used as part of the Trail of Tears. The Butterfield Overland Mail also used this path and the mailmen used to stop at the tavern for a drink, too!
Closer to the tavern you'll see canons and two monuments. One of the monuments, the Reunited Soldiery Monument, was placed in 1889 and made history. It's one of the first Civil War monuments dedicated to the soldiers of both sides to be placed on any battlefield. Moving further along the trail we'll see more subtle pieces of history.
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Remnants of the soldier's daily lives are scattered along the trail as well.
The foundation for a tannery is on this route with plenty of coverage from the oak trees once used to create the tannic acid for the hides. Towards the northern end of the trail you'll be able to walk by the area once used as a field hospital for the retreating Confederates as well.
Before returning to the Elkhorn Tavern, the trail peaks at an expansive overview.
It's amazing to think these fields once held soldiers nervous for battle. The trail may not be the most flashy but its quiet look into the past will give you a trek worth remembering.
If you'd like more information about the Pea Ridge National Military Park visit this site.
Have you had the pleasure of strolling around Pea Ridge before? Did you take the Williams Hollow Trail? Share your experience with us in the comments below! You can also add your trip photos to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Nature lovers and history buffs should also explore this trail that contains plane wreckage from the 1940s.
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