Pachwork Adventures: Western Adventure #8 Some History and Some Art

Day 8-8/10/2024

I took my walk on the same path that we rode our bikes yesterday evening. In the morning, we went to explore Pea Ridge National Battlefield. It is a Civil War battlefield. The significance of Pea Ridge was that it was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. The Union won the battle because the top two generals of the Rebels were killed in battle. This caused disarray among the southern troops who were waiting for orders that would never come. Here are some pictures from Pea Ridge National Battlefield.

Part of the Trail of Tears

Scenes from the battlefield

I found my first fall leaf.

a scenic overlook of the Pea Ridge area

Elkhorn Tavern prior to the Civil War was several things. Among these were a house of worship, an inn, a post office, and a trading post. Locally, it was known as a stop for the Overland Stage. Before the battle, the area surrounding the house was transformed into the

Federal Army's main supply camp. During the battle, the tavern served as a field hospital and the main Confederate commander's headquarters. While the battle raged, the owners took shelter in the basement. After the battle, the structure was used as headquarters and a telegraph station until the Confederate guerrillas burned it down. The owner rebuilt it and later, the National Park Service restored it to its pre-Civil War appearance.

In the afternoon, we went to Crystal Bridges art museum. It’s a free art museum in Bentonville. It was given to the city of Bentonville by the Walton family. I thought it was very impressive. Others thought it was a waste of time. I enjoyed it, but then again, I like art. Here are some pictures and a video from Crystal Bridges.