Honey Springs was the largest Civil War battle fought in the State of Oklahoma and today its battlefield is getting a new visitor center. Today, Nov. 5 there will be a celebration of the opening with special programs from 11 AM until 5 PM. The battle is studied because of the tragic story of Native Americans fighting on both sides of the battle and the prominent role played by a regiment of the United States Colored Troops, the First Kansas Colored Volunteers. After the Grand Opening, the visitor center and battlefield are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The site is located at 423159 E 1030 Road
Checotah, OK 74426. Call 918-617-7125 for more information.
Here is the announcement of from Honey Springs:
Honey Springs Battlefield is excited to celebrate the grand opening of all permanent exhibits inside the visitor center near Checotah on Saturday, November 5, beginning at 11 a.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience an immersive, 3-D theatrical video performance bringing to life the Battle of Honey Springs. Additionally, guests can explore the new east gallery exhibit hall featuring 14 audio players with recordings from first-hand, written accounts of soldiers who fought at the Battle of Honey Springs, as well as exhibits highlighting firearms, ammunition, and artillery used in the battle. Outdoor education stations surrounding the visitor center will feature living history demonstrations of Civil War military drills, artillery practices, and civilian life throughout the day. A ribbon cutting and guest speakers will commemorate the special day.
“This new, interactive exhibit at the Honey Springs Visitor Center will bring the battle to life in a way that is not only educational, but impactful,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “This battle was the most important of the Civil War in Indian Territory and it deserves the compelling rendition we now have in place. I’m thankful for our incredible Oklahoma Historical Society staff members from Honey Springs and other sites who contributed their talents to this incredible new exhibit.”
More on the Site:
The Honey Springs Battlefield site includes more than 1,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking and area wildlife while exploring the history of the Civil War in Indian Territory. Six walking trails with interpretive signs take visitors through the Union bivouac area; Union line of battle; the Texas regiment line of battle, which includes 1/8-mile of the original Texas Road; the battle at the bridge over Elk Creek; the final action; and Honey Springs and the Confederate supply depot. A Visitor Center features exhibits about the battle. Through artifacts, graphics, and narrative, the exhibits tell the rich history of the Battle of Honey Springs.
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