150th Anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs, Oklahoma-- Part 2

Union forces at the battle numbered about 3,000 and Confederates had nearly 6,000. The Union victory paved the way to the Union capture of Fort Smith and much of Arkansas. It was also the largest of the 107 engagements that took place in Indian Territory.

It was also the most significant battle fought in what is now Oklahoma. The battlefield is now a National Historic Landmark near Checotah.

Phase 1 plans are to build a new $1 million, 6,000 square foot visitor center and museum at the battlefield.

Other Indian Territory battlefields and forts: Cabin Creek, Fort Gibson, Fort Towson and Fort Washita.

Five battles were fought at Cabin Creek, the first Battle of Cabin Creek was July 2, 1863, while Gettysburg was raging to the east.

Fort Gibson was established in 1824; Fort Washita in 1842 and Fort Towson in 1824.

--Old Secesh