Save the Cannon!-Pea Ridge National Military Park - Garfield AR
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 36° 26.693 W 094° 03.142
15S E 405686 N 4033808
On March 7, 1862 - Mid-Morning in Pea Ridge National Military Park, Confederate infantrymen swarmed toward the six Federal cannon that had unlimbered in this corner of Oberson's cornfield.
Waymark Code: WM19YKG
Location: Arkansas, United States
Date Posted: 05/12/2024
Views: 0
TEXT on the historical marker:
Save the Cannon! March 7, 1862 - Mid-Morning
— Pea Ridge National Military Park —
Like maddened hornets, Confederate infantrymen boiled out of Morgan's Woods, crossed Leetown Road, and swarmed toward the six Federal cannon that had unlimbered in this corner of Oberson's cornfield. Captain William Black stood in front of the cannon and fired his Colt repeating rifle to single-handedly delay the fierce assault until he fell wounded. Black bought the artillerymen time to save four of the six guns from being captured.
(Caption Under Black's Portrait):
William Black was 19 years old when he fought here with the 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment. Years later he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor at Pea Ridge, one of four men so honored. Black survived the war and practiced law in Chicago.
I saw two rebel officers rush toward Captain Black with drawn swords and demand his surrender... he struck the nearest with his sword...and leaping over his prostrate form with the agility of a tiger, he struck the other full in the face with his already empty revolver, and he fell like a stone.
Samuel McKay, private, 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment
Name of Battle:
Battle at Pea Ridge
Name of War: U. S. Civil War
Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 03/07/1862
Parking: Not Listed
Date of Battle (End): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.