Memorial Service, Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center

Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to announce a memorial service honoring the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah, Oklahoma, on Saturday, July 14, at 10:30 am.

The memorial service is open to all visitors. J. Blake Wade, director and chief executive officer of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority and former executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, will speak following a presentation of colors and invocation outside. Following the talk, the color guard will present the retirement of colors, after which a light lunch will be served at the Visitor Center. All visitors are welcome to attend the Friends of Honey Springs annual meeting and lunch following the retiring of colors.

Guided tours will also be available from 9 am to 5 pm. Students from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will serve as tour guides on the six trails that cross the 1,100-acre battlefield. The students will point out the exact locations of military actions, highlight key aspects of the engagement, and discuss its historical importance.

The memorial 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 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 memorial service and the Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org.Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill within close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).