March 7, 1862---The Battle of Pea Ridge: Day One

MARCH 7, 1862:        

 The Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas (The Battle of Elkhorn Tavern) (Day One):  

This Union victory finally secured wavering Missouri for the Union. It also opened Arkansas to Union occupation. It began as a Confederate offensive whose ultimate goal was to take St. Louis. The Rebels had about 16,000 men available, while the Federals had about 10,250---an advantage in men and artillery greater than any other Confederate force in a single campaign during the entire Civil War. 

The first day of the offensive was initially successful, but the Rebel attack at Leetown, in Benton County, met disaster when all the senior commanders were killed by Union troops. The Confederate offensive at Leetown fell apart without leadership. 

However, Confederate forces near Elkhorn Tavern made great progress. Throughout the midday the Union gave ground before the Confederacy’s superior numbers.