Honey Springs Battlefield

The Engagement at Honey Springs was the largest of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory. The engagement took place on a rainy Friday, July 17, 1863, between the First Division Army of the Frontier, commanded by Major General James G. Blunt, and the Confederate Indian Brigade led by Brigadier General Douglas H. Cooper. Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) regiments fought on both sides. The approximately 9,000 troops involved included Native Americans, veteran Texas regiments, and the First Kansas Colored Volunteers, which was the first African American regiment in the Union army.

The Honey Springs Battlefield is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Visit The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture to find out more about the Battle of Honey Springs.

Visit the Historic Site

The Honey Springs Battlefield site includes more than 1,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking and area wildlife while exploring the history of the Civil War in Indian Territory. Six walking trails with interpretive signs take visitors through the Union bivouac area; Union line of battle; the Texas regiment line of battle, which includes 1/8-mile of the original Texas Road; the battle at the bridge over Elk Creek; the final action; and Honey Springs and the Confederate supply depot. A visitor center features exhibits about the battle.

Battlefield and Visitor Center Location

Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The visitor center is located approximately one and a half miles east of US Highway 69 off of Gertrude Avenue. The GPS coordinates are 35.523556, -95.485119.

Watch The Battle of Honey Springs (2021) online now

This film tells the story of the historic battle that was a turning point for the Civil War in Indian Territory. The Battle of Honey Springs was written and directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, the Inasmuch Foundation, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Battle of Honey Springs Civil War Demonstrations

Battle of Honey Springs Civil War Demonstrations are held biennially. The multiday event begins with an Education Day for school groups, followed by demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can tour the reenactors’ camps and browse souvenirs, books, and reproductions of nineteenth-century military equipment and clothing on Sutler’s Row. Join us for the next event November 7, 8, and 9, 2025.

• Honey Springs Battlefield
  • The Battle of Honey Springs
  • Civil War Demonstrations
  • Visitor Center
  • Bibliography