Markers dedicated at Prairie D’Ane

By Staff, 05/21/21 3:34 PM

PRESCOTT – Five markers were dedicated at the Prairie D’Ane Battlefield Friday afternoon.

The dedication was held with a light rain falling periodically, but this didn’t stop 15 people from showing up and witness the event. The markers were on the prairie’s natural history, the Red River Campaign, the battle itself, the Union order of battle and the Confederate order of battle. A grant for $4,270 was obtained from the Department of Arkansas Heritage, one of the last of its kind, to buy the markers, and was funded by the 1.8 cent tax from Amendment 75.

Judy Duke, curator of the Nevada County Depot Museum, said there were additional expenses and the markers cost about $5,200 overall with Peggy Lloyd writing the grant.

Lloyd said the signage was needed and Mudpuppy and Waterdog was used for the design. This company also developed plans for the site and this has been a long time coming, she added, saying John Teeter was also interested in developing the sight for tourism. Tourism, she continued, brings in revenue and heritage tourism brings in the most as these people tend to be more educated, more affluent and stay longer.

The sight, she said, is also important to the area historically. Lloyd pointed out the signs were done by Gopher Signs of Minneapolis, MN. The prairie, she continued, was created, in part, by Native American activity in the region as well as fires. She gave an abbreviated history of the battle fought there and thanked those who have helped in the development of the battlefield.

Duke also lauded those who have given aid to the project, saying the city has always helped when asked, adding this is the first step of developing the site for tourism.

Lloyd ended by talking about working on the Camden Expedition Scenic Byway project which has been approved by the state legislature and governor, but is waiting on approval from the Arkansas Highway Department. She said the project needs a marketing plan and highway commission approval.