Westside Community Betterment in Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Zagonyi's Charge
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
1. Zagonyi's Charge Marker
This marker commemorates one of the most daring and brilliant cavalry charges of the Civil War. Late at night, Oct. 24, 1861, Maj. Charles Zagonyi, commander of Fremont's body guard, with 300 men, including 130 of Maj. White's Prairie Scouts, left Fremont's camp near Bolivar to attack a Confederate force at Springfield. On the 25th, they detoured about a mile west of the present Frisco Station to effect a surprise from the west. The Confederates, probably 1500, encamped on the hill and in this valley, were warned and ready; but Zagonyi, dividing his forces, repeatedly charged until the enemy retreated to the east and south. Zagonyi reorganized the remnant of his force on the public square and provided care for the wounded before leaving to rejoin Fremont's command. On this stream, 12. M.S.W. was fought the battle of Wilson Creek, where Gen. Lyon was killed.
Erected 1931 by University Club of Springfield, Missouri. (Marker Number XVII.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1861.
Location. 37° 12.255′ N, 93° 18.905′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in Westside Community Betterment. It is on Mount Vernon Street 0.1 miles west of Kansas
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Regionally, this marker is 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First School-House in Greene County (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rockwood Motor Court, Springfield, Missouri (approx. half a mile away); First Cabin in Springfield (approx. 0.6 miles away); Red's Giant Hamburg (approx. 0.6 miles away); Battle of Springfield (approx. one mile away); First School in Springfield (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Springfield (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Springfield (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
via Walmart, unknown
2. Maj. Charles Zagonyi
Zagonyi's Charge:
Springfield-Greene County Library District website entry
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Springfield-Greene County Library District website entry
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Photographed by Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
3. Zagonyi's Charge Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 29, 2010
4. Location of the Confederate Camp
During the Civil War, this area lay on the outskirts of Springfield. Today a residential district is on the high ground, and several businesses line the road near the railroad tracks.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,928 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 1, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on September 2, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
