Elkhorn Tavern - Pea Ridge Battlefield - Garfield, AR
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 36° 27.241 W 094° 00.940
15S E 408986 N 4034786
Lot of history at this old tavern. Civil War, Cherokee trail of tears, first Overland Mail, first telegraph lines...lot of history.
Waymark Code: WM10CQF
Location: Arkansas, United States
Date Posted: 04/15/2019
Views: 3
County of site: Benton County
Location of site: Park Military Rd & Old Wire Rd., Pea Ridge National Battlefield, Garfield
"The Elkhorn Tavern was located on the Telegraph Road and, on the morning of
March 7, 1862, was the midpoint between Curtis's headquarters to the south and4
the easternmost of Van Dorri f s forces to the north. Occupied by the Federals when
the battle began, the tavern was taken by Confederate soldiers on the afternoon
of March 7, then abandoned on March 8 when the Southerners retreated eastward.
The Cox family, owners of the building, occupied it throughout the battle, taking
refuge in the basement while first Federals and then Confederates used their home
as a hospital, supply depot, and military headquarters. The Union army continued
to occupy the Elkhorn Tavern intermittently after the Battle of Pea Ridge was
over. It served as the last station of the military telegraph line running out
of St. Louis and as a headquarters site. Later, the tavern was burned by
bushwhackers, probably in late 1862 or early 1863. After the war, Joseph Cox,
who had been in thebasement during the battle, rebuilt the tavern to resemble
the original structure. The building has now been restored to its appearance
during the Battle of Pea Ridge." ~ NRHP Nomination Form