Downtown Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Battle of Springfield
Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
1. Battle of Springfield Marker
Inscription.
Battle of Springfield. . On Jan. 6, 1863, Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke entered Missouri with nearly 2,600 men to attack Union supply lines and communications and to disrupt the Union thrust into northern Arkansas. Lightly garrisoned but with a vast store of military supplies, Springfield made a tempting target. Late on Jan. 7, Union Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, at his headquarters located across this square, received frantic reports that 6,000 Confederates were approaching. Brown, with approximately 2,100 troops, decided to stay and fight. He summoned local militia units to Springfield, sent cavalry to scout for the enemy, and began organizing the town's defenses. Entrances to the square were barricaded with wagons, bales, and a salvaged steam boiler.
On Jan. 6, 1863, Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke entered Missouri with nearly 2,600 men to attack Union supply lines and communications and to disrupt the Union thrust into northern Arkansas. Lightly garrisoned but with a vast store of military supplies, Springfield made a tempting target. Late on Jan. 7, Union Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, at his headquarters located across this square, received frantic reports that 6,000 Confederates were approaching. Brown, with approximately 2,100 troops, decided to stay and fight. He summoned local militia units to Springfield, sent cavalry to scout for the enemy, and began organizing the town's defenses. Entrances to the square were barricaded with wagons, bales, and a salvaged steam boiler.
Erected by Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation, marker donated by the Downtown Exchange Club, James E. Shirato & Family, and John & Fran Witherspoon. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, Battle of Springfield series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1863.
Location. 37° 12.527′ N, 93° 17.519′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in Downtown Springfield. Marker
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is at the intersection of Park Central East and E St. Louis Street, on the left when traveling east on Park Central East. Marker is located near the southeast corner of Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Park Central E, Springfield MO 65806, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Marker is the left of two markers at the southeast corner of Park Central Square
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
