The Civil War battle that marked the decline of Confederate control of Indian Territory will be the speaker’s topic at the Friday, June 20, 1 p.m. meeting of the Friends of the Eufaula Library.

Molly Hutchins, director of Honey Spring Battlefield, will give details about the July 17, 1863, battle on the Old Texas Road near Checotah and Rentiesville, where a museum now commemorates the event.

A total of 9,000 Union and Confederate troops converged on the small farming settlement, a well-known watering stop in the area, just two weeks after the famous battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg.

Troops were mostly American Indians and African Americans.

Approximately 200 casualties were suffered.

The Union victory allowed Union forces to strengthen their presence in the region and significantly weakened the Confederacy’s strategic position. A reenactment of the battle, which occurs biennially, will take place in November of this year.

The museum’s exhibit theatre also provides an immersive viewing experience, and the exhibit hall features audio recordings of first-hand accounts of people who lived through the battle.

Molly Hutchins’ speech will be in the library’s Follansbee Room, and light refreshments will be served.

The public is invited to attend, and there is no fee.

The Friends—an organization that encourages appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the library’s educational facilities and to enhance the cultural landscape of the community—is always seeking new members.

To help support Eufaula Memorial Library, please become a Friend by paying $5 yearly dues at the upcoming June 20 meeting or by contacting member.FEML@gmail.com or calling President Gail Rose at 918-770-2440.