The Battle of Pea Ridge (ACW)

I attended a talk today at the local public library by the head (and until recently only) Park Ranger.

Pea Ridge National Military Park is one of the best preserved American Civil War Battlefields, and unfortunately one of the least visited. It was a well prepared and informative presentation, major changes are underway in the parks presentation.

The Battle should be of particular interest to Wargamers because of the Command and Control problems experienced by the Confederate Army. The kind of thing that when it happens in a game, people complain about. Briefly, the Commander of one wing (half) the Confederate Army moved forward to make a Personal Reconnaissance and was promptly KIA, While his deputy was off leading a cavalry Charge, also promptly KIA. Thus leaving half of the army leaderless and inert for the rest of the day. (No staff paying attention to the succession plan either, and Hebert, the fourth in line was already a POW). When that kind of thing happens in a game, players complain, loudly.

Anyone with an interest in the American Civil War who is passing through the area should consider visiting. What was shocking was that at least half the (local) audience had not visited, possibly never.