The Doomed Assault - Pilot Knob, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 37° 37.231 W 090° 38.402
15S E 708277 N 4166331
The state of Missouri withstood more than 1,000 clashes during the great Civil War. Only two other states, Virginia and Tennessee, had to endure more.
Waymark Code: WM116HH
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/25/2019
Views: 1
County of marker: Iron County
Location of marker: MO 21 (St. Mary St.), Fort Davidson Historic Site, Pilot Knob
Marker erected by: Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks
Marker text:
Afternoon, Sept. 27:
The Doomed Assault
1. While the Confederates deploy, they put two cannons on Shepherd's Mountain and begin to fie. Accurate return fire puts both out of action.
2. Marmaduke's Missouri Division streams down Shepherd's Mountain. Rifle and artillery fire breaks the charge. The men seek shelter in a creek bed.
3. McCray's and Slemon's brigades of Fagen's Arkansas divisions charge across Pilot Knob Mountain. They overwhelm the Federal cavalry, then rush for the fort. They too are driven to shelter.
4. Dobbins' mounted Confederate brigades threaten the fort from the rear. Federals from the north pits charge out and drive them off.
5. Cabell's brigade of Fagen's division advances on the gap. They reach the fort in spite of intense fire and enter the moat. Exploding hand grenades drive them out. Every attack fails. By night some 1,000 Confederates lie dead or wounded. More than 200 Federals were casualties.
6. After midnight Ewing evacuates the fort. His men march north between sleeping Confederate camps. At 3:30 a.m. volunteers blow up the fort's powder magazine. Price does not investigate until day light.