The Bella Vista Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce the October 2, program will be General Joseph Shelby and the Battle of Haguewood Prairie. It will be presented by Dr. Curtis Varnell. The program will be presented at 7 PM at the Bella Vista Historical Museum and is free of charge.
In September of 1863, Joseph Shelby and his iron brigade planned the Great Raid into Missouri. As they journeyed northward and prepared to cross the Arkansas river, they encountered eighty men of the First Arkansas Infantry. The Battle of Haguewood Prairie delves into the history of the resulting two-hour battle, describing the battle itself while telling the individual stories of the participants from both the union and confederate perspective. The Battle of Haguewood Prairie graphically demonstrates the political and economic divisions that resulted in the UNCIVIL War for control of Arkansas.
Dr. Varnell is a renowned Arkansas-based educator, author, and science specialist known for his expertise in environmental education and Arkansas history. Dr. Varnell holds a PhD in Hydrology, a master’s degree in education and studied Environmental Dynamics at the University of Arkansas. He attended Arkansas Technical University and Paris High School.
Dr. Varnell has been recognized for his contributions to education with the Arkansas Environmental Teacher of the Year Award, the Arkansas Council for the Social Studies (ACSS) Educator of the Year, the Fulbright Teaching Award, and the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Education Department at the University of the Ozarks.
Dr. Varnell has authored several books, including “In the Shadow of the Mountain,” “Roads Less Traveled: A Journey through the Culture, Geography, and History of Arkansas,” and “Roads Less Traveled: Student Edition.” He is a frequent contributor to Arkansas news publications like the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette where he shares his insights in Arkansas history, culture, and environmental topics.
The purpose of the Bella Vista CWRT is to educate and stimulate interest in the period of history of the United States known as “The Civil War,” and to promote historical, educational, and literary study and activities related to the Civil War, including events and circumstances related to the cause and effects of the War. The Round Table normally meets at 7 PM the first Thursday of each month at the Bella Vista Museum, 1885 Bella Vista Way in Bella Vista, AR.
The Museum is located at the intersection of Highway 71 and Kingsland Road. The program is free of charge, but donations are accepted to cover the travel costs of our speakers. For further information please contact Dale Phillips at [email protected] or through the Bella Vista Historical Museum at 479-855-2335.
