Honey Springs
Honey Springs, Oklahoma
July 17, 1863
Federal troops under the command of General James G. Blunt met Confederate units
commanded by Brigadier General Douglas H. Cooper. The Union commander suspected
that the Confederates (6,000 men, mostly Native American troops) were gathering
for an attack on Fort Gibson. Blunt, with his 3,000 men (whites, Native Americans
and African Americans) arrived on the field after marching all night down the
old Texas Road. Resting for a few hours, the battle was started by a one hour
long artillery barrage. The attack that followed collapsed the Confederate center.
Rain and wet Confederate powder contributed to a Confederate retreat.
General Blunt particularly praised the black troops: "The First Kansas (colored)
particularly distinguished itself; they fought like veterans, and preserved their
line unbroken throughout the engagement. Their coolness and bravery I have never
seen surpassed; they were in the hottest of the fight, and opposed to Texas
troops twice their number, whom they completely routed." This was one of the
earliest engagements in which they could prove themselves as soldiers.
Estimated Casualties: 716 total (US 79); CS 637)
The land encompassing most of this battle is registered as an historic site of the
Oklahoma Historical Society.
CWSAC ref OK007, Preservation Priority I.3 (class B battle)
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Battlefield Series
Honey Springs 01
This view is the Old Texas Road, looking North toward the initial Union gather point and resting area.
photo taken September 29, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Honey Springs 02
This view is the Old Texas Road, looking North toward the initial Union gather point and resting area.
This view is Elk Creek at the approximate center of the battlefield.
The Confederate troops retreated south (towards the left) across this creek.
photo taken September 29, 2002
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