Poison Springs Battleground State Park

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Arkansas — Site of the April 18, 1864 battle where Confederates ambushed a Union foraging expedition — the engagement is notorious for allegations of the massacre of soldiers from the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry after they surrendered. The battlefield preserves this important Civil War and African American history.

Visitor Information

About Poison Springs

Poison Springs Battleground State Park in Ouachita County preserves the site of one of the Civil War’s most controversial engagements. On April 18, 1864, Confederates — including Choctaw Indian troops — attacked a Union foraging train, killing many members of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry after they had surrendered. The massacre of Black soldiers paralleled the Fort Pillow massacre two days earlier, marking some of the war’s worst racial atrocities.

Things to Do

Walking the battlefield trail, reading interpretive markers about the controversial battle, studying the role of African American and Native American troops in the Civil War, and completing the Camden Expedition battle circuit.

Plan Your Visit

The battlefield is a solemn site — the massacre of surrendered African American soldiers here and at Fort Pillow (two days earlier) changed the calculus of the Civil War. Union forces adopted “Remember Fort Pillow” as a battle cry. Interpretive panels provide context for this difficult history. Camden (15 miles north) preserves the Confederate defensive works that prompted the Union expedition. Open year-round; free admission. Allow time for reflection.

Insider Tips

Controversial battle: Poison Springs (April 18, 1864) saw the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry suffer 50%+ casualties — allegations of murdered prisoners haunted the battlefield. Pro tip: Choctaw Confederate soldiers also fought at Poison Springs — Native Americans served on both sides of the Civil War. Foraging: The battle began when Confederates attacked a Union foraging party gathering corn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Native Americans fight in the Civil War?

Yes — approximately 20,000 Native Americans served in the Civil War, on both sides. The Cherokee Nation was deeply divided — Stand Watie became the last Confederate general to surrender (June 23, 1865). The Choctaw, Chickasaw, and some Creek allied with the Confederacy. Other factions and tribes (including many Cherokee and Creek) fought for the Union. The Civil War devastated Indian Territory — it became a civil war within a civil war.