First Battle of Newtonia Historic District

The First Battle of Newtonia Historic District is a battlefield across rural land with five standing structures and a cemetery on its grounds. The entire area spans 152 acres and contains more than 600 marked graves from those who fell in combat.

This site became a major confrontation during the American Civil War between Union and Confederate forces in 1862. The battle was notable because soldiers from Native American nations fought on both sides of the conflict.

This place holds memories of soldiers from different nations who clashed here, and visitors can see how the local community honors these stories today. The preserved graves and structures show how people continue to mark and remember those who fell.

The site is set in open countryside with minimal facilities, so bringing water and supplies is a good idea before exploring. The Mathew H. Ritchey House serves as a helpful reference point for understanding the battle layout and walking the grounds.

The Newtonia Branch stream and sections of the original Neosho Road have remained unchanged since 1862 and still run through the battlefield today. These preserved features allow visitors to see the landscape much as soldiers experienced it during the fighting.