Prairie Grove, Arkansas
December 7, 1862
Historical Overview
The battle opened on the morning of December 7, with Union Gen. Herron crossing the Illinois River and deploying his troops on Hindman's right. Herron opened an intense two-hour artillery barrage on the Confederate position. Herron then ordered an advance on the hill rather than waiting for Blunt to arrive. When his men arrived at the Roger and Borden farms they found themselves under a fierce Confederate counterattack from Maramaduke and Brig. Gen. Francis A. Shoup.
The Confederates then counterattacked, but were first halted by Union canister, and then moved forward again. Just when it looked as if the Confederate attack would roll up Herron's troops, Blunt realized that Hindman had intercepted Herron first. Furious, Blunt ordered his troops to march to the sound of the guns and they met the Confederate attack and drove them back to the ridge.
As night came, neither side had won. Although the battle ended as a tactical draw, it was a strategic victory for the Union army because they remained in possession of the battlefield, and Hindman, with no reserves, was forced to retreat, which established Union control of northwest Arkansas.
The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.
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Set-Up Order
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Union Army
Frances J. Herron
Take 6 Command Cards
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| 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Confederate Army
Thomas C. Hindman
Take 6 Command Cards
You move first
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| 9 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Victory
7 Flags
Special Rules
The Illinois River may be crossed only at the bridge.
