Civil War Artillery Demonstration Planned at Honey Springs Battlefield

1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery to portray Confederate artillery at historic site

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a Civil War cannon in bright neon hues, conceptually representing the artillery demonstration at the historic Honey Springs Battlefield.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the Civil War artillery that will be demonstrated at Honey Springs Battlefield, capturing the historic significance and modern relevance of this living history event.Fayetteville Today

On Saturday, April 11, the 1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery will be demonstrating the use of Civil War artillery at Honey Springs Battlefield in Oklahoma. The group will portray Captain Roswell W. Lee's Battery, which was part of the Confederate artillery line during the Battle of Honey Springs. The program will include a shot from a Mountain Howitzer and a presentation by living historian Jim Spillars.

Why it matters

Honey Springs Battlefield is an important historic site that played a key role in the American Civil War. This artillery demonstration will provide visitors with an immersive educational experience to learn more about the weapons and tactics used during the conflict.

The details

The artillery demonstration is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own hearing protection, as the program will include the firing of a Mountain Howitzer, an artillery piece used by both the Union and Confederate forces at the Battle of Honey Springs.

  • The demonstration will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
  • The Battle of Honey Springs was fought on July 17, 1863.

The players

1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery

A group that will be portraying Captain Roswell W. Lee's Battery, which was part of the Confederate artillery line at the Battle of Honey Springs.

Jim Spillars

A living historian from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the director of the 1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery.

Honey Springs Battlefield

A historic site in Oklahoma that played a key role in the American Civil War.

Oklahoma Historical Society

The organization that maintains Honey Springs Battlefield and other museums, historic sites, and affiliates across the state of Oklahoma.

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What’s next

Visitors can call 918-617-7125 or email honeysprings@history.ok.gov for more information about the artillery demonstration.

The takeaway

This artillery demonstration at Honey Springs Battlefield provides a unique opportunity for the public to learn about the weapons and tactics used during the American Civil War, and to experience a living history event at an important historic site.