Near Battlefield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Come on my brave boys, I will lead you forward!

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Come on my brave boys, I will lead you forward! Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 30, 2023

1. Come on my brave boys, I will lead you forward! Marker

Inscription. So cried General Lyon as he led Kansas troops into battle to drive back the rebels' second attack. A volley of fire exploded in front of him. A bullet tore through both lungs and his heart. Moments later, Lyon slid from his horse and died.

The first investigations to whre Lyon died point here in this glade. But recent scholarship indicates otherwise.

Lyon was slightly wounded by an exploding shell during the first Southern assault. His horse was killed at the same time and accounts indicate it was lying here in this glade. After receiving a new mount, Lyon remained in the center of the line. When he received his fatal blow he may have actually fallen near where the parking area is now.

Change in Command
When Lyon's body was being removed from the field his aide Lt. William M. Wherry arrived. He knew the news of Lyon's death would cause fear among the men, so he ordered it concealed as long as possible. He then determined that Major Samuel D. Sturgis, U.S. Cavalry, was next in command and set out to notify him of his new role.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

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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° 6.298′ N, 93° 24.696′ 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. Located about 1800 feet east of the Bloody Hill Parking Area on the walking trail. 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: Death of Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon (here, next to this marker); The Oak Hills (here, next to this marker); Paying Respects (a few steps from

End of the walking trail looking back. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 30, 2023

2. End of the walking trail looking back.

this marker); What Would You Do? (within shouting distance of this marker); No Man's Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Laid to Rest In Mass Graves (within shouting distance of this marker); I will gladly give up my life for victory. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Missourians, Never Run (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battlefield.

Also see . . . Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. National Park Service (Submitted on October 7, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.