When I was a boy, probably 9 or 10, ( this would have been in 1957 or 58) my dad took me on a trip to the Pea Ridge Battle Field.The battle field then was primitive, but that was alright for us. We were there about the same time of the year that the battle took place, so the weather conditions were similar as it was during the battle. This was his first visit to the site of the battle. He was a veteran of WW II and Korea, so he was very aware of what these brave soldiers faced during the battle and he explained what was happening during the battle. We spent the whole day there. We was able to walk out on battle field. We could go and do things that most visitors probably can't do today. It was like we were walking on holy ground. My dad's grandfather, Pvt B.F. Howard ( Company H of the 4th Arkansas Infantry Regiment ) fought and was wounded there. B.F.'s brother, Pvt G.W, was also at the battle. We were there in the days before the federal government took over the battle field, so it hasn't such a tourist place. We talked to some of the old timers around there, who said as boys they found all kinds of musket balls and other items on the battle field. We stopped by a local antique store, who had some items from the battle. It was a trip that I will never forget.

I was wondering what the members of this message board opinions are about the federal government taking over not only Pea Ridge, but other Civil War battle fields. What are the pros and cons ?
I haven't been back to Pea Ridge since I was there with my dad, but I am told that a person has a pay a fee to get into the battle field. Is this true ?

If you time, I would like read about your first visit to a Civil War battle field.

Lee Howard