Minié Ball- Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR
Institution: UA Fayetteville Research Station- Arkansas Archaeological Survey
State: Arkansas
Object: Guns & Ammunition
Era: 19th Century
The Battle of Pea Ridge was a civil war battle over the control of Missouri. By April of 1862, the state was occupied by both sides of the conflict. After establishing a stronghold in St. Louis, Union Gen. Samuel R. Curtis continued to move towards the southwest border of Missouri / Arkansas. However, Gen. Earl Van Dorn launched a counter attack at the area now known as Pea Ridge National Military Park.
Archaeologists recovered thousands of weapon-related artifacts in the area, supporting claims as one of the most brutal battles of the war. Several caliber bullets were discovered like the one above. Sizes ranged from .36 caliber to .69 caliber Minié balls. Also recovered were buckshots, shotgun pellets, 6lb to 20lb shells, case shots, and canisters.
Most historical documents mention the use of cannons and firearms, but little was known about the type of weaponry used by both armies. Based on the evidence at Pea Ridge, the predominate weapons were military issued Model 1816 and Model 1842 smoothbore muskets, Model 1842 and the Model 1855 rifled muskets, rebored Model 1841 rifles, and Model 1819 Hall rifles.
