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Firearms of the Civil War program
April 13, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
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On Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah will have live Civil War-era firearms demonstrations.
Mr. Seth Goff, Historical Interpreter at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill, will provide background information and live demonstrations with reproduction firearms that would have been used by soldiers who fought at the Battle of Honey Springs.
The cost of the program is $10 per person. Please check in at the Honey Springs Battlefield front desk before attending the event.
During the Civil War, the soldiers who fought at Honey Springs experienced firsthand major technological advances in firearms. With their inaccuracies and limited range of 50-75 yards, smoothbore muskets were gradually replaced by rifled muskets, which could fire out to 1000 yards with deadly accuracy. Breach-loading carbines, with early metallic cartridges, greatly increased the firepower of the cavalry beyond that of most infantry.
The Battle of Honey Springs, which took place on July 17, 1863, is the largest Civil War battle to occur in Indian Territory and on Muscogee (Creek) lands. Also remembered as the most ethnically diverse battle in the Civil War, the Battle of Honey Springs was fought by Indigenous, Black, and white soldiers. The tribal nations of the Muscogee, Cherokee, and Seminole divided, joining both the Union and Confederate armies. Of the 9,000 who fought, 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 Civil War Demonstrations of the Battle of Honey Springs, please email adam.lynn@history.ok.gov, or call 918-617-7125.
