Wilson's Creek National Battlefield - Republic, Missouri
Posted by: 
gparkes
N 37° 06.940 W 093° 25.179
15S E 462717 N 4107786
The battle fought here at Wilson's Creek, was the first major battle west of the Mississippi, second overall after the First Bull Run. It is also the first case of a General falling in battle.
Waymark Code: WM8GNV
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/30/2010
Views: 11
The background to the Battle of Wilson's Creek begins with the ousting of the elected state government. Initially, the Missouri State government declared it would not support either side, remaining neutral. Tensions running high in Missouri, the elected government was run off to prevent a probable succession of the state.
In pursuit of the rebel militia, General Nathaniel Lyon, ordered pursuit into southwestern Missouri. Being encamped in Springfield with about 6,000 troops on July 31, 1861, he learned of a large force of Confederate troops. Realizing his disadvantage, he planned to withdraw and resupply at Rolla, but not before his suprise attack on the encampment.
That large force was 12,000 troops, about double Lyon's own forces and with the sheer number of Confederate troops, the battle was a Union loss. His plan was to split his forces placing them on opposite sides of the Confederate encampment and attack just before dawn. The Confederates made several tactical errors that were never capitolized on, of them the most serious being that sentries were not replaced on guard duty at night. Even so, Confederates were alerted and awoke to the Union presence. Three Confederate charges were repelled, and Union troops retreated before they could launch a forth attack.
The casualties on both sides were about equal: 1,317 Union and 1,230 Confederate. The most stunning loss was that of General Nathaniel Lyon. His death marked the first General killed on a battlefield. Also affecting the actions of the day was the wounding of General Thomas W. Sweeny. This caused Major Samuel D. Sturgis to assume command of Union troops.
* Information taken from personal visit to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Type of site: Battlefield
Address:
6424 W. Farm Road No. 182
Republic , MO USA
65738
Phone Number: 417-732-2662
Admission Charged: $5 or less
Website: [Web Link]
Driving Directions:
The battlefield is located three miles east of Republic and ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri. From I-44, take Exit 70 (MO MM) south to US 60. Cross US 60 and drive 3/4-mile to MO ZZ. From US 60 and US 65, take the James River Expressway to MO 60 south and/or the Republic Exit, then south on MO 60 to MO M, south on MO M 3/4-mile to MO ZZ. Turn south on MO ZZ for one mile to Farm Road No. 182, then turn left into entrance.
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