Near Battlefield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Battle of Oak Hills
August 10, 1861
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
1. The Battle of Oak Hills Marker
In early August, 1861 the Missouri State Guard under the command of Major General Sterling Price was camped along Wilson's Creek preparing to march into Springfield, Missouri ten miles northeast of their encampment. Shortly after 5:00 A.M. they were attacked by Federal forces under the command of Major General Nathaniel Lyon who commenced firing upon Price's army and Confederate forces under the command of Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch. For 6 hours the Missouri State Guard assaulted the high ground now known as Bloody Hill where Lyon was killed and Federal forces had to withdraw back to Springfield leaving the field of battle in the hands of the guard and Confederate troops. More victories were to follow for the guard -- the citizen soldiers of Missouri -- who wished only to be left along and live in peace.
(Back):
The Missouri State Guard
This monument is respectfully dedicated to the men of the Missouri State Guard, the legally established militia of the state who first took up arms in 1861, and marching and fighting under the blue battle flag of their beloved Missouri did their duty as God gave them
this page online
Erected 2001 by Missouri Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 37° 7.264′ N, 93° 25.236′ W. Marker is near Battlefield, Missouri, in Greene County. Marker is on State Highway ZZ, on the right when traveling north. Located at General Sweeny's Museum, part of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brookline MO 65619, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Missouri State Guard (approx. 0.4 miles away); Battle's Beginning ... and End (approx. 0.7 miles away); Signs From The Past (approx. 0.8 miles away); Way to the Mill (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gibson's House Site (approx. 0.9 miles away); Gibson's Mill Site (approx. 0.9 miles away); Gibson's Mill (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bloody Hill (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battlefield.
Related markers.
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
2. Missouri State Guard
Also see . . . Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. National park service website entry (Submitted on September 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. General Sweeny's Museum
Founded in 1992 by Dr. Thomas and Karen Sweeney, the museum contains artifacts covering the conflict, spanning from the "Bleeding Kansas" period to the surrender of Confederate troops. Privately run for many years, the museum (known as the Civil War Museum now) was later incorporated as part of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Park.
— Submitted September 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
3. Display in front of General Sweeny's Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,415 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
