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.
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.

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It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Battle of Springfield (here, next to this marker); Three Black Men Lynched (a few steps from this marker); History of Springfield Public Square (a few steps from this marker); Lynching in America / The Lynchings of Horace B. Duncan, Fred Coker and William Allen (a few steps from this marker); 1971 Tumbler (within shouting distance of this marker); Wild Bill's Shootout (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to the Loving Memory of Dr. R. Fred Schweitzer (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Dave Tutt Fell (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021

2. Battle of Springfield Marker

Marker is the left of two markers at the southeast corner of Park Central Square

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 674 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.