The Battle of Honey Springs Civil War Demonstrations

On Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5, the biennial demonstrations of the Civil War Battle of Honey Springs will take place at Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah.

On both days, special living history stations will be open both days beginning at 10 a.m. before the Battle of Honey Springs demonstrations will take place at 1 p.m.  Witness military drills, demonstrations, and living history programs, tour Confederate, U.S., and civilian camps, explore “Sutlers’ Row,” featuring vendors selling 19th-century reproduction military equipment, clothes, books, and souvenirs.

The Battle of Honey Springs which took place on July 17, 1863, is 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 Muscogee, Cherokee and Seminole divided, joining both the Union and Confederate armies. Of those 9,000, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, 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.

The cost for Saturday and Sunday will be $10 for adults. Children ages 12 and under are free. For more information regarding the Reenactments of the Battle of Honey Springs, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or alynn@okhistory.org, or call 918-617-7125.

Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill in close proximity to 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).