Pilot Knob in Iron County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Moat
“... we rushed back to the banquette with the grenades and passed them to the men in front, with orders to throw them into the ditch. Pandemonium instantly broke loose … men were blown above the parapet and fell back dead; the ditches were cleared as if by magic. It struck terror to the enemy’s lines, and they fell back in disorder …”
- Capt. William J. Campbell, 14th Iowa Volunteer Infantry
Confederate officers blamed the failure of the assault on the depth of the moat and the steepness of the fort walls.
Erected by Missouri State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1864.
Location. 37° 37.204′ N, 90° 38.397′ W. Marker is in Pilot Knob, Missouri, in Iron County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Powder Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Pilot Knob Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); The Doomed Assault (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Davidson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Struggle for the Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Pilot Knob (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Fight for Ironton (about 300 feet away); St. Mary's Catholic Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pilot Knob.
More about this marker. The marker includes an illustration of the Confederate attack on the moat and a drawing of the Ketchum hand grenade used in the battle in 1864.
Also see . . . Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. The official website of this state park. (Submitted on October 28, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 381 times since then and 24 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, 5. submitted on October 28, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 6. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.