A big spring a half block west across the street gave Elm Springs its name. During the winter of 1861-62, tents of the 16th Arkansas Infantry covered the campus of the academy to the east near the head of Brush Creek, and Dr. M.D. Steele's log-house served as headquarters. James H. Berry, later governor of Arkansas, was a lieutenant with this regiment. Here on March 5, 1862, just before the battle of Pea Ridge, Gen. Van Dorn's army spent the night, and early the next morning hurried toward Bentonville.