Poison Springs Battleground State Park

Poison Springs Battleground State Park is an 85-acre protected area in Ouachita County with preserved battlefield grounds and walking trails. The site stretches through dense pine and oak forests near Highway 76, displaying features that reflect its 19th-century wartime landscape.

The site was the location of an 1864 attack by Confederate and Choctaw forces on a Union supply wagon during a broader military campaign. This engagement affected supply routes and troop movements across the region.

The trails here tell the stories of soldiers and the participation of Native Americans in this conflict. Visitors can today understand the perspectives of different groups involved in this battle.

The park provides picnic areas, walking trails, and informational displays for exploring the grounds. The paths are designed so visitors can traverse the battlefield on foot while experiencing the natural surroundings.

The site's name comes from a story about soldiers contaminating a water source during the fighting. This account is part of local memory and remains part of how the engagement is remembered.

Location: Ouachita County

Inception: 1961

Elevation above the sea: 90 m

Part of: Arkansas Heritage Trails System

Website: https://arkansasstateparks.com/poisonspring

GPS coordinates: 33.63761,-93.00600

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06