Prairie Grove in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

March of the Armies

December 3-7, 1862

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 30, 2010

1. March of the Armies Marker

Inscription. General Hindman on the Arkansas River planned to drive General Blunt's Federal army out of northwest Arkansas. The Confederate army left Van Buren on December 3. Enroute north, Hindman learned that Blunt had called for help from General Herron at Wilson's Creek, Mo., and that the latter was already on the march. Hindman decided to bypass Blunt at Cane Hill and march to intercept Herron. Herron's army made a forced march of 100 miles in 3 days and ran into the Confederate advance early on the morning of Sunday, December 7. The Confederates established themselves on this ridge, facing northeast. Herron crossed the Illinois River and attacked. Meanwhile Blunt at Cane Hill learned that the Confederate army had bypassed him, so he marched his army to Rhea's Mill, then approached the battle from the northwest, arriving on the field at 2 P.M. Darkness finally halted the bitterly-fought battle. During the night, Hindman's army, low on supplies and ammunition, withdrew south to Van Buren.

Erected by State of Arkansas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1965.

Location. 35° 59.013′ N,

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94° 18.624′ W. Marker is in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in Washington County. It is on East Douglas Street (U.S. 62), on the right when traveling west. Located near the entrance to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prairie Grove AR 72753, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas,

on the Ozark Plateau,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ozarks.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blunt's Attack (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Prairie Grove (a few steps from this marker); General Shaver's Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Thomas C. Hindman

Campaign Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 30, 2010

2. Campaign Map

(within shouting distance of this marker); Rhea's Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Generals James G. Blunt and Francis J. Herron (within shouting distance of this marker); Hindman Hall Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Battlefield Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie Grove.

Also see . . . Prairie Grove Battlefield Park. (Submitted on September 3, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 30, 2010

3. March of the Armies Marker

Photographed by Marc Hayot, May 30, 2026

4. March of the Armies Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,144 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 2, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.