Lexington in Lafayette County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Battle of Lexington

September 18, 19, 20, 1861

Photographed By Tony Meyers, August 10, 2011

1. The Battle of Lexington Marker

Inscription. Following victories in southwestern Missouri, Maj. Gen. Sterling Price and 10,000 men of the Missouri State Guard marched north with the objective of breaking the Federal line along the Missouri river. On Sept. 12, 1861 the Guard engaged and drove a Federal force near Warrensburg into the fortifications at Lexington. The 3,600 man garrison led by Col. James A. Mulligan was invested that day by the Guard and the siege of Lexington commenced. Price was joined by 8,000 volunteers from northwestern Missouri, and on the 18th stormed the outer defenses and severed the fort’s access to water. On the 19th the Guard deployed hemp bales as a breastwork and on the 20th rolled the bales towards the Federal line. Faced with no means of resistance, Mulligan surrendered his command, arms and equipment. The Guard recaptured the state seal and archives, and returned to the local bank over $900,000 taken by the Federal troops. This was the most complete victory for the South in 1861.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1766.

Location. 39° 11.414′ N, 93° 52.824′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Missouri, in Lafayette County. Marker can be reached from Delaware Street, 0.1 miles north of Delaware Street and John Shea Drive. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 Delaware Street, Lexington MO 64067, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Battle of Lexington (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Lexington (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Battle of Lexington (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named The Battle of Lexington (about 700 feet away); Lafayette County Courthouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lexington (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Library Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Vernon Foundation Stones (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

More about this marker. Marker is located at the entrance to the Battle of Lexington Visitor's Center.

The Missouri State Guard image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, October 28, 2015

2. The Missouri State Guard

This monument is respectfully dedicated to the men of the Missouri State Guard. The legally established militia of the state who first took up arms in 1861, and marching and fighting under the blue battle flag of their beloved Missouri. Did their whole duty as God gave them light to see that duty and sacrificed everything but honor in the defense of their states sovereignty and the cause of constitutional rights. Deo Vindice.

The Battle of Lexington Visitor's Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tony Meyers, August 10, 2011

3. The Battle of Lexington Visitor's Center

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2011, by Tony Meyers of Liberty, Missouri. This page has been viewed 988 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 14, 2011, by Tony Meyers of Liberty, Missouri. 2. submitted on November 7, 2015, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 14, 2011, by Tony Meyers of Liberty, Missouri. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.