Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-HSB-2103 - Parking / Trails / Roads - The Battle of Honey Springs took place on July 17, 1863. The largest Civil War engagement in Indian Territory epitomized a Civil War within a Civil War as Cherokee, Creek and Seminole citizens filled the ranks of both armies. Honey Springs was the largest battle in which Indians, Blacks, and Whites, fought with and against one another. It was the first major engagement where Black troops carried the day. The road through the site is key to visitor access to this 1,200 acre battlefield. The road allows the visitor to access interpretive trails from the north end of the battlefield to the south end. Repair and resurfacing of the road is needed to ensure the road remains in safe, accessible condition. The bridge over Elk Creek has been inspected by DOT, and it is in need of repair to maintain its structural integrity. If the bridge fails visitors will no longer have access to the north end of the battlefield.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. McIntosh County has a population of 19,596. It is a very rural county. The two largest cities are Checotah, population 3,142, and Eufaula, population 2,875. The battlefield is located in Rentiesville, a historic all-black town, with a population of 122. The main economic drivers in the county are agriculture and recreation associated with Lake Eufaula. The median income is $39,084, and 20% of the population live in poverty. 17% of the population under 65 is disabled. Unemployment in the county is 5%.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and tracking earned income at the site.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma