Pea Ridge Civil War in the West

The 1862 battle of Pea Ridge in northwestern Arkansas was one of the largest Civil War engagements fought on the western frontier, and it dramatically altered the balance of power in the Trans-Mississippi. This study of the battle is based on research in archives from Connecticut to California and includes a pioneering study of the terrain of the sprawling battlefield, as well as an examination of soldiers' personal experiences, the use of Native American troops, and the role of Pea Ridge in regional folklore.

“A model campaign history that merits recognition as a major contribution to the literature on Civil War military operations.” — Journal of Military History

“Shines welcome light on the war’s largest battle west of the Mississippi.” — USA Today

“With its exhaustive research and lively prose style, this military study is virtually a model work of its kind.” — Publishers Weekly

“A thoroughly researched and well-told account of an important but often neglected Civil War encounter.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Offers the rich tactical detail, maps, and order of battle that military scholars love but retains a very readable style combined with liberal use of recollections of the troops and leaders involved.” — Library Journal

“This book is assured of a place among the best of all studies that have been published on Civil War campaigns.” — American Historical Review

“Destined to become a Civil War classic and a model for writing military history.” — Civil War History

“A campaign study of a caliber that all should strive for and few will equal.” — Journal of American History

“An excellent and detailed book in all accounts, scholarly and readable, with both clear writing and excellent analysis. . . . Utterly essential . . . for any serious student of the Civil War.” — Civil War News

William L. Shea, professor of history at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, is author of The Virginia Militia in the Seventeenth Century.

Earl J. Hess is Stewart W. McClelland Chair in history at Lincoln Memorial University. He is author of several books, including Lee’s Tar Heels: The Pettigrew-Kirkland-MacRae Brigade and Pickett’s Charge — The Last Attack at Gettysburg.