The Battle of Honey Springs was a moving battle covering an area approximately 1.5 miles wide (e-w) and 7 miles long (n-s). The "core" area of the battlefield, now administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society as a state historic site, is approximately 0.5 mile wide and 3.0 miles long, with one mile being in Muskogee County and two miles in McIntosh County, Oklahoma (generally between the villages of Oktaha on the north and Rentiesville on the south).

From 1963 to 1993, the OHS developed the battlefield at a pace in keeping with the availablility of land-acquisition funds. This accounted for the acquisition of approximately 480 acres divided between two large portions at the north and south end of the battlefield. A pavillion was constructed from stones thought to have been from the Confederate powder magazine; over the years five large granite markers have been placed nearby (honoring the Five Civilized Tribes who were involved in the battle; the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry; all Union Troops; all Confederate Troops; and the Texans).

Starting in 1993, the American Battlefield Preservation Program of the National Park Service funded five projects at the site, including battlefield protection plan, boundary survey w/corner pin markers, two archaeological surveys, and, in cooperation with the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Arkansas, a general development plan.

In the mid-90s, the OHS received an ISTEA grant through the state Department of Transportation to (1) acquire 292 acres in the center of the site, (2) construct a bridge over Elk Creek, (3) construct a two-lane asphalt access road, and (4) install walking trails with wayside interpretive exhibits. Three of the six trails have been open since 17 July 2001; trails 4, 5, and 6 will be completed by 16 March 2002.

Starting in July, 1999, the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield began a fund-raising effort to acquire the last 142 acres needed to protect the "core" battle areas. In December of that year 78.75 acres, where much of the final action took place, were acquired. [Anyone who donates to this fund will have his/her name -- but not the amount -- included in the donor acknowlegement book. Those individuals or organizations which contribute at least $500.00 will have their names on a large bronze plaque near the entrance of the interpretive center. The Friends' address is PO Box 756, Checotah, OK 74426.]

Four years ago, the site was allocated money in the state-wide capital fund bond issue to construct a 2,800 square foot interpretive center; however, the bond issue is tied up in court. Therefore, we purchased a 24 x 32 foot used temporary school building and are in the process of rennovating it for use as a "temporary" interpretive center. This will be open in May 2002 and will feature exhibits on the war in the Indian Territory, reproduction uniforms and weapons (for use in school programs), a 20 minute video on the battle, and a small gift shop.

The battlefield staff take programs to schools, civic clubs, chambers of commerce, and libraries throughout eastern Oklahoma. Boy Scouts have been helpful in clearing trails and have worked on merit badges here at the battlefield. On-site living history programs ("Civil War Life") take place one Saturday afternoon in March, April, May, September, and November each year. An annual "Candle Light Tour" is held in March. Every three years there is a battle reenactment. (The OHS sponsors a reenactment each year but it moves between Cabin Creek, Honey Springs, and Middle Boggy. Two years ago the OHS board voted to have all reenactments at the same time each year -- the weekend containing the last Saturday in September -- to accomodate school groups.)

The battlefield access road is open 8 - 5 on the days the site is open to the public. When completed, the interpretive center will be open 10 - 4:30 weekdays and 1 - 4:30 Sundays. During "winter" (the same days as Central Standard Time) the site is closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Holidays. During "summer" (the same days as Daylight Savings Time) the site is closed Mondays and Holidays.

For further information contact the battlefield at 918-473-5572 or at honeysprings@ok-history.mus.ok.us