Near Battlefield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Taking a Stand for Missouri
| | Wilson's Creek National Battlefield | |
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 29, 2024
1. Taking a Stand for Missouri Marker
for downright hard, persistent fighting, Wilson's Creek beat them all. Samuel D. Sturgis, Major, 1st Brigade, U.S. ArmySaturday, August 10, 1861The scorching summer sun beat down on Lyon's command of only 4,200 men. Their goal: damage the enemy. Drive the Southerners into Sigel. Return home to a hero's reward.
While Lyon's men were better armed and equipped, there were too few of them. The Southern army's unexpected stiff resistance, coupled with the weight of twice their number of men, stalled Lyon's advance and forced him on the defensive.
Taking advantage of the high ground and adjusting their positions to Southern threats, Union soldiers valiantly fought a total of five hours, losing a quarter of their number.
You are standing near the center of the Union line. On these grassy slopes dotted with oak trees, the second battle of the Civil War was fought and the first Union general to be killed in combat died here.
(caption) Nathaniel Lyon commanded the Union Army. He hoped for a surprise attack on the sleepy encampment spread out beneath this hill would end the Southern army's advance toward Springfield and keep Missouri in the Union.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S.
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is August 10, 1861.
Location. 37° 6.373′ N, 93° 24.926′ W. Marker is near Battlefield, Missouri, in Greene County. It can be reached from Tour Road 0.9 miles south of West Farm Road 182, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at Stop #7 on the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield tour. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brookline MO 65619, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Springfield. It is also 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: Bloody Hill (here, next to this marker); Action, Front! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Anchor of the Union Line (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Missourians, Never Run (about 600 feet away); "We drove them back with great slaughter..." (about 700 feet away); U.S. Model 1841 12 Pounder Gun (about 700 feet away); I will gladly give up my life for victory. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laid to Rest In Mass Graves (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battlefield.
Also see . . .
1. History of the Battle. The threat to the Union in Missouri was particularly acute in 1861. Its position on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and its manpower and natural resources made this western state vital to
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 29, 2024
2. Taking a Stand for Missouri Marker
2. Brief Account of the Battle. The Battle of Wilson's Creek (called Oak Hills by the Southerners) was fought ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri on August 10, 1861. Named for the stream that crosses the area where the battle took place, it was a bitter struggle between Union and Southern forces for control of Missouri in the first year of the Civil War. (National Park Service) (Submitted on July 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 30, 2023
3. Taking a Stand for Missouri Marker Looking out over the Battlefield
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on September 2, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on September 2, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
