Pilot Knob in Iron County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Fight for Ironton
Sept. 26, Afternoon
Photographed By Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
1. The Fight for Ironton Marker
1. Shortly after noon, Maj. Gen. Sterling Price’s advance attacks the Federal pickets encamped at the Ironton courthouse.
2. Federal reinforcements rush from Pilot Knob. They counterattack and drive the raiders three miles to Shut-In Gap.
3. Confederate columns continue arriving. The outnumbered Federals fight a delaying action but are pushed back to Arcadia by nightfall.
4. Under cover of a rainstorm, the Federals retire to Ironton. The valley below fills with Confederate campfires. Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing is now convinced that he faces Price’s entire army. He has only 1,500 men, but decides to hold out because the military command in St. Louis needs more time to prepare to meet the threat.
Erected by Missouri State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 26, 1864.
Location. 37° 37.242′ N, 90° 38.344′ W. Marker is in Pilot Knob, Missouri, in Iron County. Marker can be reached from Maple Street (State Highway 221) 0.1 miles east of McCune Street. Marker is located on an interpretive trail in the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site; the above directions are to the driveway entrance to the visitor center. Touch for map.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Struggle for the Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); The Doomed Assault (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Moat (about 300 feet away); Pilot Knob Mountain (about 400 feet away); Fort Davidson (about 400 feet away); The Powder Magazine (about 400 feet away); The Union Church at Pilot Knob (about 400 feet away); St. Mary's Catholic Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pilot Knob.
More about this marker. The marker includes a map showing and keyed to the actions described in the marker inscription.
Also see . . . Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. The official website of this state park. (Submitted on October 28, 2016.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 27, 2022
2. Map on Marker
The marker is, as of 2022, faded. However, the colored (blue and red) lines of maneuver and the four keyed points to the marker text, are visible.
Photographed By Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
3. Marker at the Beginning of the Park Interpretive Trail
Photographed By Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
4. Markers Along the Park Interpretive Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
