Consequences and Controversies

Prairie Grove inflicted large casualties, was indecisive, and bedeviled by confusion on the field. These and other factors led to controversies on both sides. Union General John Schofield's jealousy, and Confederate General Thomas Hindman's questionable generalship, led to controversy in their respective campaigns, and the large casualty count altered the future of the Arkansas campaign: though the confederacy retreated, the Union brigades had significant recuperation to do before continuing southward towards Van Buren, and the uncertain outcome at Prairie Grove led to further skirmishes along the road in the weeks to come.