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. . Just across South Avenue (behind you) stood Union Fort No. 4, a 160-foot earthen redoubt surrounded by a deep trench. During the night of Jan. 7-8, 1863, two 12-pound howitzers were placed in this fort. The gun barrels were found on the grounds of the Presbyterian church and mounted on fabricated carriage wheels during the night. Lt. Joseph Hoffman, a convalescing officer, was given command of the guns. During the afternoon and early evening hours of Jan. 8, 1863, the fort witnessed some of the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Springfield. Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke's dismounted Confederate cavalry repeatedly attacked the fort, which was defended by Union troops, militia, and the "Quinine Brigade." The Confederate attack was poorly coordinated and failed to capture the fort.
Just across South Avenue (behind you) stood Union Fort No. 4, a 160-foot earthen redoubt surrounded by a deep trench. During the night of Jan. 7-8, 1863, two 12-pound howitzers were placed in this fort. The gun barrels were found on the grounds of the Presbyterian church and mounted on fabricated carriage wheels during the night. Lt. Joseph Hoffman, a convalescing officer, was given command of the guns. During the afternoon and early evening hours of Jan. 8, 1863, the fort witnessed some of the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Springfield. Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke's dismounted Confederate cavalry repeatedly attacked the fort, which was defended by Union troops, militia, and the "Quinine Brigade." The Confederate attack was poorly coordinated and failed to capture the fort.
Erected by Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation, marker donated by Downtown Springfield Association. (Marker Number 3.)
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 7, 1863.
Location. 37° 12.244′ N, 93° 17.553′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in West Central. Marker
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is at the intersection of South Avenue and West Mount Vernon Street, on the right when traveling south on South Avenue. Marker is located on the grounds of First Baptist Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 South Ave, 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 314 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
