Walnut Street in Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Battle of Springfield

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 17, 2012

1. Battle of Springfield Marker

Inscription. Across from this site stood Fort No. 5, the second largest of five forts built around Springfield. By January 8, 1863, the fort was only partially finished. It served only as a rallying point during the battle. From this point and along St. Louis Street, Union soldiers from the 3rd and 14th Missouri State Militia Cavalry engaged in several skirmishes with Maj. Ben Elliott's battalion of scouts. In one brief encounter, two companies of the 14th MSM, commanded by Lt. Col. Pound and Capt. Milton Burch, clashed with Lt. William H. Gregg and Quantrill's Confederate company, resulting in a number of casualties to the Union forces. From this position on the morning of January 9, the weary Union defenders watched as the Confederates disengaged their battle lines and withdrew east along St. Louis St., the road to St. Louis. The battle was over. Both sides suffered casualties in excess of 12%.

Erected by Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation (this marker donated by the Historic Preservation Society of Springfield and Greene County). (Marker Number 12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

topic lists: Forts and Castles • 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 8, 1863.

Location. 37° 12.51′ N, 93° 16.877′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in Walnut Street. It is on John Q. Hammonds Parkway south of St. Louis Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 South John Q Hammonds Parkway, Springfield MO 65806, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 walking distance of this marker: Kentwood Hall Renovation (approx. 0.2 miles away); Shrine Mosque (approx. 0.3 miles away); Steak 'n Shake, Springfield, Missouri (approx. 0.3 miles away);

Painting on Battle of Springfield Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by D. L. Coombs, Unknown

2. Painting on Battle of Springfield Marker

January 9, 1863, the morning after the battle - Watercolor painting by D. L. Coombs
courtesy of James R. Cox

First Classical Academy in Greene County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Keet-McElhany House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Booth-Dickey House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beverly Apartments (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Paul United Methodist Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Springfield MO. Community and Conflict website entry (Submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

2. Battle of Springfield Tour. City website entry (Submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Map on Battle of Springfield Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 17, 2012

3. Map on Battle of Springfield Marker

Positions At About 4:00 PM
January 8th, 1863
Map No. 4

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 17, 2012

4. Battle of Springfield Marker

The Hammons Tower in background

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,971 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.