Pilot Knob in Iron County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Battle of Pilot Knob

— September 28, 1864, 1:00 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. —

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 14, 2016

1. Battle of Pilot Knob — St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. St. Mary’s Catholic Church was erected on this site in 1861. During the evacuation of the fort under the cover of darkness, some of the Union troops filed up the north rifle pit and formed in the shadow of the church created by a burning charcoal pile that had been set on fire by a shell during the battle. The church was damaged when a Union detail exploded the fort’s powder magazine. The building was destroyed by a tornado in 1957.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 28, 1864.

Location. 37° 37.29′ N, 90° 38.451′ W. Marker is in Pilot Knob, Missouri, in Iron County. It can be reached from N. McCune Street north of Maple Street (Missouri Highway 221), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 walking distance of this marker: Fort Davidson (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Doomed Assault (about 400 feet away); Pilot Knob Mountain (about 500 feet away); The Struggle for the Mountains (about 500 feet away); The Moat (about 600 feet away); The Fight for Ironton (about 600 feet away);

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The Powder Magazine (about 700 feet away); The Battle of Pilot Knob (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pilot Knob.

More about this marker. The marker is one of 16 Missouri red granite historical markers interpreting the Battle of Pilot Knob and is Marker #14 on the Battle of Pilot Knob Driving Tour.

Also see . . . Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. Missouri State parks website entry (Submitted on October 29, 2016.)

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 14, 2016

2. Battle of Pilot Knob — St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

Intersection of McCune St and Maple St (SH 221) visible behind marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 603 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.