Wilson's Creek: The Second Battle of the Civil War and the Men Who Fought It
In 1861, Americans were preoccupied by the question of which states would join the secession movement and which would remain loyal to the Union. In Missouri, it was largely settled at Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861, in a contest that is rightly considered the second major battle of the Civil War

Wilson's Creek
Oak Hills
Civil War Missouri


American Civil War
August 10, 1861

Yankees
Galvanized Yankees on the Upper Missouri: The Face of Loyalty
Confederate prisoners of war were permitted to enlist in the Union army. Detailed studies of individual regiments. One such unit, the First United States Volunteers and their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Dimon. 

Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon's Army of the West was camped at Springfield, Missouri, with Confederate troops under the commands of Brigadier General Ben McCulloch approaching.

On August 9, both sides formulated plans to attack the other. About 5:00 am on the 10th, Lyon, in two columns commanded by himself and Colonel Franz Sigel, attacked the Confederates on Wilson's Creek about 12 miles southwest of Springfield.

Rebel cavalry received the first blow and fell back away from Bloody Hill. Confederate forces soon rushed up and stabilized their positions.

The Confederates attacked the Union forces three times that day but failed to break through the Union line. Lyon was killed during the battle and Major Samuel D. Sturgis replaced him.

Meanwhile, the Confederates had routed Sigel's column, south of Skegg's Branch. Following the third Confederate attack, which ended at 11:00 am, the Confederates withdrew. Sturgis realized, however, that his men were exhausted and his ammunition was low, so he ordered a retreat to Springfield.

The Confederates were too disorganized and ill-equipped to pursue. This Confederate victory buoyed southern sympathizers in Missouri and served as a springboard for a bold thrust north that carried Price and his Missouri State Guard as far as Lexington.

In late October, a rump convention, convened by Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson, met in Neosho and passed an ordinance of secession.

Wilson's Creek, the most significant 1861 battle in Missouri, gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Location: Greene County and Christian County

Campaign: Operations to Control Missouri (1861)

Date(s): August 10, 1861

Principal Commanders: Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon and Major General Samuel D. Sturgis [US]; Major General Sterling Price, Missouri State Guard, and Brigadier General Ben McCulloch [CS]

Forces Engaged: Army of the West [US]; Missouri State Guard and McCulloch's Brigade [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 2,330 total (US 1,235; CS 1,095)


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Civil War Curiosities: Strange Stories, Oddities, Events, and Coincidences
This work was fascinating to read and was neither over dramatic or under written. The stories were lively and interesting and the additon of old photos and draqwings helped fill out the book.

Great Battle at Wilson's Creek, Near Springfield, Missouri, 5,500 Union Troops and 23,000 Rebels
Great Battle at Wilson's Creek, Near Springfield, Missouri
5,500 Union Troops and 23,000 Rebels

24 in. x 18 in.
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Civil War soldier toys 102 pieces
Civil War Soldier 102 Piece Playset
 
  • 25 Union and 25 Confederate Soldier Figures, 18 Horses, 10 Cannon
  • 2 Covered Wagons, 2 Tents, 2 Canoes, 2 Flags, 16 Fences
  • Size: Figures Stand up to 2-1/8 inches tall
  • Scale: 1/32nd, Wagons and Horses slightly smaller
 

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Wilson's Creek: The Second Battle of the Civil War and the Men Who Fought It
In 1861, Americans were preoccupied by the question of which states would join the secession movement and which would remain loyal to the Union. In Missouri, it was largely settled at Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861, in a contest that is rightly considered the second major battle of the Civil War

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