Battle of Honey Springs Memorial Event (virtual)

On Saturday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m. the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) and the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield will host the annual memorial event commemorating the Battle of Honey Springs. Due to concerns about COVID-19, the decision has been made to hold the service virtually this year to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff. You can join the virtual event online at www.facebook.com/honeysprings.

OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn will be the featured speaker, and he will look back on the preservation and development of the battlefield. Dr. Blackburn is retiring in January 2021 after a 40-year career with the OHS.

The Battle of Honey Springs was the largest of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory. The engagement took place on 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. There were approximately 9,000 men involved including American Indians, veteran Texas regiments, and the First Kansas Colored Volunteers, which was the first African American regiment in the Union army.

Honey Springs Battlefield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. For more information regarding the virtual memorial event and Honey Springs Battlefield, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or call 918-473-5572.