Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield Inc

The Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, Inc is a not-for-profit corporation with broad membership existing to promote, develop, preserve, and present the historical and cultural significance of the Civil War Battle of Honey Springs, Indian Territory, on July 17 1863.  

History of the Battlefield

Honey Springs was the largest and most important of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in the Indian Territory. Cherokee and Creek regiments on both sides, as well as the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers (the first black regiment in the Union army) fought in the engagement between the Army of the Frontier and the Confederate Indian Brigade on a rainy Friday, July 17, 1863. Periodic reenactments are held on the historic battle ground, with activities ranging from military drills to cooking demonstrations.

Preserve Honey Springs

Civil war battlefields remain a popular tourist attraction. The Friends of Honey Springs has worked with the Oklahoma Historical Society for several years to build a more attractive visitors center. On February 3rd, 2015, the Friends of Honey Springs Board of Directors officially accepted a bid to build an approximately 7,000 square foot Visitor's Center for $948,170.  Funding for the project includes a $394,000 USDA grant; a $407,000 USDA Loan, a $100,000 bank loan from Peoples National Bank of Checotah, and a USDA RBE (Rural Business Economic) grant for $99,000.  To meet this budget, several building alterations were made in order to bring the project cost down from the originally designed amount of $1,405,200.  The Friends of Honey Springs is seeking donations to help add back several of these alterations, including:

• Change the asphalt roof to metal for longer life and less maintenance
• Using stonework instead of cement siding around the front entrance
• Installing a flag pole
• Use exposed trussing in the library and exhibit areas;
• Change drywall in the lobby back to an interior stone veneer
• Electrical, lighting and plumbing fixture changes
• Add back a veranda on the north side of the Visitors Center which would give an interesting view of the battlefield and the Texas Road
• Add back several areas of landscaping

The Friends of Honey Springs has set a fundraising goal of $250,000 to add back the changes listed above.  This additional funding would also offer operating money after the center is open and provide contingency funding for maintenance and loan interest payments.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

For more information and upcoming events, please visit our Friends of Honey Springs Facebook or Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitors Center Facebook.