Memorial Service, Honey Springs Battlefield Historic Site

Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to announce a memorial service honoring the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah, Oklahoma, on Saturday, July 15, at 10:30 am.

The service commemorates the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements throughout Indian Territory, 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 two hundred 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.

The memorial service is open to all visitors on Saturday, July 15, at 10:30 am. Special guest speaker Dr. James Fink, professor of history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, will provide a talk on the significance of the Civil War in Indian Territory inside the new Honey Springs Battlefield Visitor Center immediately following a presentation of colors outside.