West Central in 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. . In 1863, this was an area of one-story homes known as Dutchtown. On this spot stood a brick college building that had been converted into a military prison by the addition of a wooden stockade. Union forces inexplicably failed to garrison it, which allowed its capture by men of Shelby's Brigade. Confederates fired into Union positions from this strong-point until after dark, when they withdrew to consolidate their lines. Just across Campbell Street to the east was the city cemetery, where Federals, crouching behind tombstones, fired on the advancing Confederates until forced out. Armed only with pistols, shotguns, and other short-range-weapons, the Confederates had to fight at very close range. Heavy firing continued in this area until about 3 p.m., when the Federal line began to collapse and withdraw toward the center of Springfield.
In 1863, this was an area of one-story homes known as Dutchtown. On this spot stood a brick college building that had been converted into a military prison by the addition of a wooden stockade. Union forces inexplicably failed to garrison it, which allowed its capture by men of Shelby's Brigade. Confederates fired into Union positions from this strong-point until after dark, when they withdrew to consolidate their lines. Just across Campbell Street to the east was the city cemetery, where Federals, crouching behind tombstones, fired on the advancing Confederates until forced out. Armed only with pistols, shotguns, and other short-range-weapons, the Confederates had to fight at very close range. Heavy firing continued in this area until about 3 p.m., when the Federal line began to collapse and withdraw toward the center of Springfield.
Erected by Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation. (Marker Number 8.)
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 year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 37° 12.148′ N, 93° 17.699′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in West Central. Marker
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is on West State Street west of South Campbell Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 W State St, Springfield MO 65806, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 153 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.