Press Release
October 18, 2017
Contact: Adam Lynn
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-440-3914
honeysprings@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/honeysprings
Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment Scheduled
CHECOTAH, Okla. — Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is proud to announce a fun-filled educational weekend for families and students alike. The biannual reenactment of the Civil War Battle of Honey Springs will take place at the Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah, Okla. on Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5.
The weekend starts off early with Education Day on Friday, November 3. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, students from schools across the state, as well as the general public, will have the opportunity to explore numerous education stations teaching topics related to the Civil War in Indian Territory and the battle itself. Living historians will demonstrate various military drills, cooking techniques, and other everyday activities for soldiers. There also will be numerous sutlers selling 19th-century reproduction military equipment, clothes, books and souvenirs. Food vendors also will be on site. Education Day is free to the public.
On Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5, camps will open to the public at 10 a.m. The Battle of Honey Springs reenactment will take place at 1 p.m. each day. There also will be special presenters throughout each day leading up to the battle reenactments. The cost for Saturday and Sunday will be $5 for adults. Children ages 12 and under are free.
The Honey Springs reenactment shows the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements in present-day Oklahoma. The engagement took place on July 17, 1863, just two weeks after the famous Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Approximately 9,000 Union and Confederate troops, mostly American Indians and African Americans, were involved in the Battle of Honey Springs. Of those, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River. The Union victory also ensured Federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas.
For more information regarding the reenactment and Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org. Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville.
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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