Battle of Pea Ridge Facts

March 6–8, 1862

Key facts about the Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern.

Portrait of Samuel R. Curtis

Brigadier General Samuel R. Curtis’ victory at the Battle of Pea Ridge essentially cemented Union control of Missouri. [Wikimedia Commons]

Also known as:

  • Battle of Elkhorn Tavern

Date:

  • March 6 – 8, 1862

Location:

  • Benton County, Arkansas

Campaign:

  • Pea Ridge

Principal Union commander(s):

  • Brigadier General Samuel R. Curtis

Principal Confederate commander(s):

  • Major General Earl Van Dorn

Union forces engaged:

  • Army of the Southwest

Confederate forces engaged:

  • Army of the West

Number of Union soldiers engaged:

  • Roughly 10,500

Number of Confederate soldiers engaged:

  • Roughly 16,000

Estimated Union casualties:

  • 1,384 casualties (killed, wounded and missing/captured)

Estimated Confederate casualties:

  • 2,000 casualties (killed, wounded and missing/captured)

Result:

  • Union victory

Significance:

  • The battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, was the largest battle west of the Mississippi during the American Civil War.
  • The outcome of the Battle of Pea Ridge essentially cemented Union control of Missouri.