Missouri Civil War Battles

Missouri, a state strategically positioned at the crossroads of the nation, became a pivotal battleground during the American Civil War. Its status as a border state, sharing boundaries with both Union and Confederate states, made it a prize to be seized by both sides. The allegiances of its citizens were deeply divided, leading to a brutal internal conflict that mirrored the larger national struggle. From the early skirmishes to the large-scale battles, Missouri witnessed a series of engagements that shaped the course of the war and left a lasting impact on the state’s landscape and its people. This article delves into the significant military actions that unfolded within Missouri’s borders during this tumultuous period.

At the onset of the Civil War, Missouri, alongside Delaware, Maryland, and Kentucky, held immense strategic importance for the Lincoln Administration. These "border states," while permitting slavery, remained within the Union. Missouri’s geographical location, bordering free states to the north and slave states to the south, made its loyalty crucial. President Lincoln recognized that losing Missouri to the Confederacy would severely hamper Union efforts in the West. This precarious balance led to a series of events aimed at securing Missouri for the Union cause, often through forceful measures.

The Control Missouri Campaign, spanning from June to October 1861, was a concerted effort by the Union to assert its authority over the state. Major General John C. Fremont, appointed to lead the Western Department of the Union Army, initially focused on fortifying St. Louis, a critical transportation hub. However, his efforts were perceived as inadequate in equipping troops in the field, leading to Union losses, most notably at Wilson’s Creek. The Control Missouri Campaign underscored the challenges the Union faced in securing a state with divided loyalties and a strong Confederate presence.

Boonville – June 17, 1861: The First Battle of Boonville, a relatively minor engagement, held significant strategic implications. Prompted by pro-Southern Governor Claiborne Jackson’s ambition to align Missouri with the Confederacy, Union Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon embarked on a mission to suppress Jackson’s Missouri State Guard, then under the command of Sterling Price. Lyon swiftly seized Jefferson City, the state capital, forcing Jackson and Price to retreat towards Boonville. Pursuing them by steamboat, Lyon’s forces disembarked near Boonville and engaged the rebels. The ensuing battle was short and decisive, with Lyon’s Union troops scattering the Confederate forces and securing control of Boonville. This early Union victory was crucial in establishing dominance over the Missouri River, a vital transportation artery, and temporarily thwarting efforts to bring Missouri into the Confederacy. Casualties were estimated at 31 Union and 50 Confederate.

Carthage – July 5, 1861: Following the Confederate defeat at Boonville, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon continued his pursuit of Governor Claiborne Jackson and his approximately 4,000-strong State Militia. Meanwhile, Colonel Franz Sigel led a separate Union force of around 1,000 troops into southwest Missouri. Upon learning that Sigel’s troops were encamped at Carthage on July 4, Governor Jackson assumed command of his militia, plotting an assault on the significantly smaller Union force. The next day, Jackson established a battle line on a ridge ten miles north of Carthage, anticipating Sigel’s attack. Sigel obliged, moving to engage the Confederates. However, upon observing a large Confederate force on his left flank (later revealed to be unarmed recruits), Sigel opted to withdraw. Despite the Confederate pursuit, Sigel executed a skillful rearguard action, retreating into Carthage under the cover of darkness and subsequently withdrawing to Sarcoxie. Although strategically insignificant, the Battle of Carthage served as a morale boost for pro-Southern elements in Missouri, eager for any sign of success.

Wilson’s Creek – August 10, 1861: Known as the Battle of Oak Hills, Wilson’s Creek marked a significant Confederate victory in Greene and Christian Counties. Confederate forces, led by Major General Sterling Price and Brigadier General Ben McCulloch, clashed with the Union Army, commanded by Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon and Major General Samuel D. Sturgis. As Confederate troops approached Springfield, Missouri, Lyon’s Army of the West prepared for battle. On August 10, Lyon launched a surprise attack on the Confederates at Wilson’s Creek, dividing his forces into two columns under his command and that of Colonel Franz Sigel. The initial assault forced the Rebel cavalry back from Bloody Hill. However, Confederate reinforcements quickly arrived, stabilizing the lines. The Confederates launched three separate attacks on the Union lines throughout the day, but they failed to break through. During the battle, General Nathaniel Lyon was killed, and Sturgis took command. After the third Confederate assault, the southern forces withdrew. Sturgis, recognizing his men’s exhaustion and dwindling ammunition, ordered a retreat to Springfield. With both sides depleted, the Confederates did not pursue. Wilson’s Creek, the largest Missouri battle of 1861, secured Confederate control over southwestern Missouri. Casualties were estimated at 1,235 Union and 1,095 Confederate. This victory emboldened Southern sympathizers in Missouri, paving the way for Price’s advance north toward Lexington. In late October, Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson convened his political allies in Neosho, where they passed an ordinance of secession. The battle has left a historic impact and is now preserved as Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

Dry Wood Creek – September 2, 1861: The Battle of Dry Wood Creek, also known as the Battle of Big Dry Wood Creek and the Battle of the Mules, was a skirmish in Vernon County between the Kansas Cavalry Brigade and the Missouri State Guard. General James H. Lane’s Kansas Brigade, consisting of approximately 600 troops, set out from Fort Scott, Kansas, to ascertain the location of a reported Confederate force. Near Big Dry Wood Creek, they encountered a Confederate force of about 6,000 soldiers. The larger Confederate force, led by Major General Sterling Price and Brigadier General James S. Rains, compelled the Union cavalry to retreat, capturing their mules in the process. The Rebels subsequently marched towards Lexington, forcing the Federals to abandon southwestern Missouri and concentrate on securing the Missouri Valley. The skirmish resulted in approximately 14 Federal casualties. The number of Confederate casualties is unknown.

Lexington – September 13-20, 1861: The Battle of Lexington, also known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales, was a major Confederate victory in Lafayette County. Major General Sterling Price commanded some 12,000 troops of the Missouri State Guard. Following their success at Wilson’s Creek, the Guard consolidated forces in the northern and central parts of the state and marched on Lexington. Colonel James A. Mulligan commanded an entrenched Union garrison of about 3,500 men. Price’s men first encountered Union skirmishers on September 13 south of town, pushing them back into the fortifications. After confining the Union troops in Lexington, Price decided to await his ammunition wagons, other supplies, and reinforcements before assaulting the fortifications. On the 18th, Price was ready and ordered an assault. The Missouri State Guard moved forward amidst heavy Union artillery fire and pushed the enemy back into their inner works. On the 19th, the Rebels consolidated their positions, kept the Union forces under heavy artillery fire, and prepared for the final attack. Early on the morning of the 20th, Price’s men advanced behind mobile breastworks made of hemp close enough to take the Union works at the Anderson House in a final rush. Mulligan then requested surrender terms, and by 2:00 p.m., the Federal men had vacated their works and stacked their arms. This Unionist stronghold had fallen, bolstering southern sentiment and consolidating Confederate control in the Missouri Valley west of Arrow Rock. Ultimately, the battle resulted in estimated Union casualties of 1,874 compared to just 100 Confederate casualties.

Liberty – September 17, 1861: The Battle of Liberty, also called Blue Mills Landing or Blue Mills, took place in Clay County. On September 15, 1861, Confederate General D.R. Atchison left Lexington and marched towards Liberty, where he met with the Missouri State Guard. The next night, his forces crossed the Missouri River to the south side and prepared for a fight with Union troops reported to be in the area. At the same time, Union Lieutenant Colonel John Scott led a force of about 600 men from Cameron, Missouri, toward Liberty on the 15th. Camping at Centreville, he and his men departed at about 2:00 a.m. on the 17th. When Scott arrived in Liberty, he sent out scouts to find the enemy, and at about 11:00 a.m., skirmishing began. At noon, Scott marched in the firing direction, approached Blue Mills Landing, and, at 3:00 a.m., struck the Confederate pickets. However, the Union forces began to fall back, and the Rebels pursued for some distance. The fight lasted for an hour. The estimated casualties in the battle were 56 Union and 70 Confederate.

Fredericktown – October 21, 1861: This Union victory, led by Colonels J.B. Plummer and William P. Carlin, occurred in Madison County. The two colonels, leading separate columns of troops, advanced on Fredericktown to overtake Confederate Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson and his men. On October 21, Thompson’s force left Fredericktown and headed south. Thompson left his supply train in a secure position and returned toward Fredericktown about 12 miles out. He then learned that Union forces had occupied Fredericktown, so Thompson spent the morning attempting to discern the enemy numbers and disposition. Unable to do so, he attacked anyway, around noon. With his force and a detachment of Colonel William P. Carlin’s troops, Plummer met the Rebel forces outside town, and a two-hour fight ensued. Overwhelming Union forces took their toll, and Thompson’s men retreated. Union cavalry pursued. Fredericktown cemented Union control of southeastern Missouri. The total losses for the Union are unknown, while the Rebel casualties were an estimated 62.

Springfield – October 25, 1861: The Battle of Springfield, also referred to as Zagonyi’s Charge, took place in Greene County. Having accomplished little since taking command of the Western Department, with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Major General John C. Fremont formulated a plan to clear Major General Sterling Price’s Rebels from the state and then, if possible, carry the war into Arkansas and Louisiana. Leaving St. Louis on October 7, 1861, Fremont’s combined force eventually numbered more than 20,000. His accompanying cavalry force, numbering 5,000 men and other mounted troops, included Major Frank J. White’s Prairie Scouts and Fremont’s Body Guards under Major Charles Zagonyi. Major White became ill and turned his command over to Zagonyi. These two units operated in front of Fremont’s army to gather intelligence. As Fremont neared Springfield, the local state guard commander, Colonel Julian Frazier, sent requests to nearby localities for additional troops. Fremont camped on the Pomme de Terre River, about 50 miles from Springfield. Zagonyi’s column continued to Springfield, and Frazier’s force of 1,000 to 1,500 prepared to meet it. Frazier set up an ambush along the road that Zagonyi traveled, but the Union force charged the Rebels, sending them fleeing. Zagonyi’s men continued into town, hailed Federal sympathizers, and released Union prisoners. Leery of a Confederate counterattack, Zagonyi departed Springfield before night, but Fremont’s army returned, in force, a few days later and set up camp in the town. In mid-November, after Fremont was sacked and replaced by Maj. Gen. Hunter, the Federals evacuated Springfield and withdrew to Sedalia and Rolla. Federal troops reoccupied Springfield in early 1862 as a Union stronghold. This engagement at Springfield was the only Union victory in southwestern Missouri in 1861. The estimated casualties were 85 Union and 133 Confederate.

Mount Zion Church – December 26, 1861: Part of the Operations in Northeast Missouri Campaign, this battle took place in Boone County. Brigadier General Benjamin M. Prentiss led a Union force of five mounted companies and two companies of Birge’s sharpshooters into Boone County to protect the North Missouri Railroad and overcome the secessionist sentiment there. After arriving in Sturgeon on December 26, Prentiss learned of a band of Rebels near Hallsville. He sent a company to Hallsville the next day that fought a Confederate force under the command of Confederate Colonel Caleb Dorsey and suffered numerous casualties, including many taken prisoner, before retreating to Sturgeon. On the 28th, Prentiss set out to meet Dorsey’s Rebels with his entire force. He routed one company of Confederates on the road from Hallsville to Mount Zion and learned that the rest of the force was at Mount Zion Church. Prentiss headed for the church. After a short battle, the Confederates retreated, leaving their killed and wounded on the battlefield and abandoning many animals, weapons, and supplies. This action and others curtailed Rebel recruiting activities in Central Missouri. The estimated casualties in the Union victory were 72 Union and 210 Confederate.

Roan’s Tan Yard – January 8, 1862: Also Referred to as the Battle of Silver Creek, this skirmish took place in Randolf County on January 8, 1862, as part of the Operations in Northeast Missouri Campaign. Rumors and sightings of a Confederate force in the Howard County area had circulated for over a week, but the Union troops could not locate them. On January 7, 1862, information came to hand that Colonel J.A. Poindexter and his Confederate force were camped on Silver Creek. Detachments from various Union units came together and headed towards the Confederate camp about 14 miles northwest of Fayette. After finding the camp, the force attacked, routing the enemy and sending those not killed, wounded, or captured fleeing for safety. Afterward, the Union forces destroyed the camp to prevent further use. The Confederates could no longer use their Randolph County base for recruiting and raiding. The Union Victory resulted in estimated casualties of 11 Union and 80 Confederate.

New Madrid/Island No. 10 – February 28-April 8, 1862: This skirmish occurred in Madrid, Missouri, and Lake County, Tennessee, from February 28 to April 8, 1862, as part of the Joint Operations on the Middle Mississippi River Campaign. With the surrender of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, and the evacuation of Columbus, Kentucky, General P.G.T. Beauregard, commander of the Confederate Army of the Mississippi, chose Island No. 10, about 60 river miles below Columbus, to be the strong point for defending the Mississippi River. Nearby was New Madrid, one of the weak points. Brigadier General John Pope, the commander of the Union Army of the Mississippi, set out from Commerce, Missouri, to attack New Madrid on February 28. The force marched overland through swamps, lugging supplies and artillery, reached the New Madrid outskirts on March 3, and laid siege to the city. Brigadier General John P. McCown, the garrison commander, defended New Madrid and Island No. 10 from the fortifications. He launched a sortie, under Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson, Missouri State Guard, against the besiegers and brought up heavy artillery to bombard them. On the 13th, the Confederates bombarded the Yankees to no avail. Since it was impossible to defend New Madrid, the Confederate gunboats and troops evacuated to Island No. 10 and Tiptonville. On the 14th, Pope’s army discovered that New Madrid was deserted and moved in to occupy it. Under the command of Flag-Officer Andrew H. Foote, arrived on March 15 upstream from Island No. 10. The ironclad Carondelet, on the night of April 4, passed the Island No. 10 batteries and anchored off New Madrid. Pittsburgh followed on the night of April 6. The ironclads helped subdue the Confederate batteries and guns, enabling Pope’s men to cross the river and block the Confederate escape route. Brigadier General William W. Mackall, who replaced McCown, surrendered Island No. 10 on April 8. The Mississippi River was now open down to Fort Pillow, Tennessee. The number of casualties in the Union victory is unknown.