Browse Exhibits (2 total)
Field Grade officers are between the rank of O4 and O6; otherwise known as Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and Colonels. In some occurrences, chief warrant officers 3 and 4 (CW3 & CW4) fulfill the position of field grade officers as well. Although the Army and Marines refer to this group by the name of field officers, the Navy and Coast Guard prefer to label this group as senior officers instead. While these two titles are similar, the term field officer is usually used to describe any officer who holds command of a theater on land. Meaning, they are in charge of units that are capable of operating independently. This is why Field officers are typically seen in charge of brigades, infantry battalions, artillery and/or cavalry batteries, etc.
Thesis: The Battle of Prarie Grove had lasting impacts on multiple militaristic facets of the war for the USA, the conduct of the CSA, and also the civilian population around the area.
Impact on the USA
The lasting impacts that the battle had on the USA are found in the lives of the soldiers the lives of the commanders and how this battle was pivotal for the Union strategy going into 1863.
During this battle soldiers saw horrible sights and experienced tremendous amounts of blood and violence which impacted many of them for the rest of their lives.
Both General Blunt and Herron were celebrated after the battle and were recommended for promotions by General Curtis which led them to further glory.
Winning this battle led to the collapse of Confederate counter-offensives in the region which was a promising sign for 1863.
CSA Conduct After Battle
Following the withdrawal of Hindman's army, some Confederate soldiers engaged in conduct that was both harmful and disruptive to the civilians of the state of Missouri.
Non-combatant individuals were hurt, and killed by these soldiers. Bridges were burned and destroyed. Houses were also shot into.
The treatment of the fallen by the CSA was also questionable, bodies were piled on top of each other in a not-so-pleasant burial and memorial service.
Legacy of the Battle to Local Civilians
The Battle of Prairie Grove left a haunting legacy on those who lived through it.
Julia West Pyeatt's recollections reflect a sense of survival and modesty, finding safety in the midst of the chaos, yet haunted by the constant presence of wounded soldiers in their home.
Caldonia Ann Borden Brandenburg's memories are filled with fear, loss, and bitterness toward the North, as their house was burned down, possessions seized, and their lives disrupted by the destruction caused by both armies.
For Nancy Morton Staples, the legacy is one of profound horror and trauma, witnessing her father's torture by southern robbers, leaving an indelible mark of fear, loss, and deep aversion to the brutality of war on their family.