The Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, was a pivotal conflict fought on March 6-8, 1862, in the American Civil War. Taking place in the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas, the battle marked a significant Union victory in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. The Confederate Army of the West, led by General Earl Van Dorn, had launched a campaign to drive the Union Army of the Southwest, commanded by General Samuel R. Curtis, out of the region. However, the Union forces were able to hold their ground and ultimately defeat the Confederate army, securing a crucial win that would have far-reaching consequences for the war in the Western Theater.
The Battle of Pea Ridge was one of the largest and most complex battles fought in the Trans-Mississippi region, involving over 26,000 soldiers and resulting in more than 3,000 casualties. The battle saw intense fighting at key locations such as Elkhorn Tavern, Big Mountain, and Ford Road, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Union victory at Pea Ridge helped to secure Missouri and Arkansas for the Union, preventing the Confederacy from gaining control of the region and limiting their ability to launch further attacks in the Western Theater.