Pilot Knob in Iron County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Struggle for the Mountains
Sept. 27, Morning
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
1. The Struggle for the Mountains Marker
1. The Confederates attack at dawn. Outnumbered and outflanked, the Federals retire to the mountain slopes.
2. Federal infantry holds Shepherd Mountain but are gradually forced back to avoid encirclement. By 10 a.m. they retire into Fort Davidsons rifle pits.
3. Dismounted Federal cavalry defend Pilot Knob Mountain. In a bitter, close-range fight, they manage to hold their positions overlooking the fort.
4. The Confederates advanced into the gap but the forts artillery drives them back. Confederate cannons on the heights could dominate the fort, but Maj. Gen. Sterling Price orders a direct assault.
Erected by Missouri State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 37.243′ N, 90° 38.377′ W. Marker is in Pilot Knob, Missouri, in Iron County. It can be reached from Maple Street (State Highway 221) 0.1 miles east of McCune Street. Marker is located on an interpretive trail in the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site; the above directions are to the driveway entrance to the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 Maple St, Pilot Knob MO 63663, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Missouri. 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
this page online
More about this marker. The marker includes a map showing and keyed to the actions described in the marker inscription.
Also see . . . Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. Missouri State parks website entry (Submitted on October 28, 2016.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 27, 2022
2. Map on the Marker
In this 2022 photo, the map has faded. The numbered keys are visible but the red and blue maneuver lines are less discernable. Fort Davidson's position (and that of the marker) is a blue circle just to the left of the key for "4".
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
3. The Struggle for the Mountains Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, October 14, 2016
4. Markers Along the Park Interpretive Trail
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 27, 2022
5. Relief Map in the Visitor Center
This relief map in the park visitor center provides an appreciation for the wartime terrain over which the battle was fought. The view is from the north, looking south (so opposite that of the map on the marker). The six-sided structure in the center right is Fort Davidson. To the center left is Pilot Knob, a mountain half covered with trees, with a brown field on top. To the upper right is Shepherd Mountain, mostly covered with trees. In the top center is Ironton. Note the roads between the town of Pilot Knob and Ironton. Also note the railroad line extending to the bottom center.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 27, 2022
6. Pilot Knob
Looking back from the marker location, past the visitor center, at Pilot Knob today.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 505 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
