Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, Painting by Andy Thomas
The Battle of Pea Ridge, also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, comes to a close after two intense days of fighting, with the United States emerging victorious.
Joseph and Lucinda Cox, owners and proprietors of the tavern, emerge from the building’s cellar, where they had barricaded themselves during the battle. The tavern — a multi-use facility serving as a post office, restaurant, inn, and the meeting place of the Benton County Baptist Society — has the misfortune of being the central point of the battle on March 8. Serving as a makeshift hospital for wounded troops during the fighting, and bearing the brunt of much rifle fire and even a cannonball, the structure nonetheless remains standing.
Upon emerging from the cellar, the Cox’s see much devastation. Littered across the tavern grounds and beyond are the bodies of men and horses. Many trees are shattered from gunfire and cannonballs. The Tavern is severely damaged.
Forced to move out of the tavern, the Cox family soon sets to work restoring the building, reopening it in 1865.
Sources: John W. Bond, “The History of Elkhorn Tavern” (link); Battle of Elkhorn Tavern / Pea Ridge (link) and (link) and (link); Andy Thomas painting (link)
