Press Release
October 28, 2025
Contact: Molly Hutchins
Honey Springs Battlefield, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-617-7125
[email protected]
okhistory.org/honeysprings
Biennial Education Day and Reenactment Returns to Honey Springs Battlefield in November
CHECOTAH, Okla. — Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah will host its biennial Education Day and reenactment of the Battle of Honey Springs on November 7, 8 and 9.
The three-day-long program kicks off on Friday, November 7, with an Education Day. Students from across the state and the general public can explore numerous educational stations that teach topics related to the Civil War in Indian Territory and the Battle of Honey Springs. Living historians will demonstrate various military drills, cooking techniques and other everyday activities for soldiers. There will also be numerous sutlers selling 19th-century reproduction military equipment, clothing, books and souvenirs. Food vendors will also be on site. Education Day is free, but groups are asked to preregister at okhistory.org/hsb.
On Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, special living history stations will open at 10 a.m., and the Battle of Honey Springs reenactment will take place at 1 p.m. Visitors will see military drills, demonstrations and living history programs while also getting the chance to tour Confederate, Union and civilian camps and explore Sutlers’ Row. Tickets are $10 for anyone 12 years of age or older. Children ages 12 and under are free.
The full schedule for all three days is posted on the Honey Springs Battlefield Facebook page.
The Battle of Honey Springs, which took place on July 17, 1863, was the largest Civil War battle to occur in Indian Territory and on Muscogee (Creek) lands. Also remembered as the most ethnically diverse battle in the Civil War, the Battle of Honey Springs was fought by Indigenous, Black and white soldiers. The tribal nations of the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Choctaw and Chickasaw divided, joining both the Union and Confederate armies. Of the 9,000 who fought, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, the Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River. The Union victory also ensured Federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas.
For more information, call 918-617-7125 or email [email protected].
Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill near the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).
Honey Springs Battlefield is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of Honey Springs Battlefield are available upon request.
