The idea for "Skirmishes" began in early 2000, while a Civil War  re-enactment was being planned.  The event was to represent actions in and around  Bentonville just before the battle of Pea Ridge. 

That re-enactment did not come about.  But in reviewing the events leading up to the Battle of Pea Ridge, and exploring the geography, the Skirmishes team noted fateful activity in the area, which had been largely undisturbed since 1862.

At that moment, the picturesque valley along part of Little Sugar Creek was being bulldozed.  Steep hills were being logged to make way for development.  Another area of historic interest in Benton County was  changing beyond recognition.   (From an even earlier time, a tiny remnant of the Trail of Tears in Benton County was also being eradicated.)

The Benton County Historical Society had jumped into action to help gain National Park status for the Pea Ridge Battlefield.  In 1961, under the umbrella of the BCHS, Mrs. W. W. Vaughn, of Fayetteville, proposed the formation of the "Pea Ridge Memorial Association."  Its purpose was "to install Historic Markers on  sites closely connected with the maneuvering of both armies just before and just after the Battle of Pea Ridge." 

One should express gratitude again to all the service clubs, patriotic organizations and individuals who contributed to the purchase and installation of the markers. Today, the markers are the only indication of those historic events. 

Mary Marquess, Win Logue, Becky Christenson, Gwen Millager, and Bill Millager spearheaded the "Skirmishes Project."

Rick Parker personally edited the recorded notes of  his lecture presented to the Benton County Historical Society, April, 2000.  He  has kindly given permission to print his remarks.

Mary Marquess contributed many items from her personal papers and collections including soldier's letters.  She always provided sound ideas and knew "where to search". 

Pauline Carnell contributed an original copy of the 1963 Report of the Historic Marker Program of the Pea Ridge Memorial Association.  This became the basis for the reference map and the driving-tour section by Becky Christensen and Win Logue. 

Census and Official War Records were used.  The entire BCHS Board has shepherded the project since inception.

To our knowledge, this is the first collection of information about skirmishes in Northwest Arkansas preceding the battle at Pea Ridge.  Our society will welcome additional articles, reports, letters, etc. on this subject. 

Considerable care has been used in collecting and editing the skirmishes material, but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies. 

We hope this collection will be helpful and enjoyable.