The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Honey Springs Has National Significance: "The Gettysburg of the West"-- Part 1

From the March 16, 2013, Muskogee (Ok) Phoenix by Jonita Mullins.

This little-known engagement (I think I first heard about it in conjunction with Route 66 Civil War history) turned Indian Territory from a Confederate stronghold into a Union one.  The site was recently named a National Historic Landmark.

Honey Springs is located on Texas Road, about 25 miles south of Fort Gibson.  Confederate Fort Davis was across the river from Fort Gibson and the Confederates also set up a supply depot at Honey Springs.

When Union commander James Blunt found out his foe was building up for an attack, he decided to strike first.  His force crossed the Arkansas River by flatboats and marched south on Texas Road.  The two sides clashed July 17, 1863 in what has been called the "Gettysburg of the West."

More to Come.  --Old Secesh

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