Carthage in Jasper County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Battle of Carthage

July 5, 1861

By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2003

1. The Battle of Carthage Marker

Inscription. In early July, 1861 units of the Missouri State Guard under the command of Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson were en route to extreme southwest Missouri to there organize and train to resist Federal dominance of the state. On July 5 the Guard found its way south blocked by a Federal force commanded by Colonel Franz Sigel. At about 9:00 A.M. the two armies came together north of Dry Fork Creek and thus began the first major land battle of the War between the States. In a series of running engagements extending over a period of twelve hours, the Guard steadily attacked and pushed Sigel's force toward and finally through Carthage, causing the Federals to retreat to Sarcoxie. The victory of the Missouri State Guard at Carthage not only cleared the way south, it also enhanced the Guard's morale and set the stage for still other battles in the fight for Missouri.

Location. 37° 10.605′ N, 94° 18.596′ W. Marker is in Carthage, Missouri, in Jasper County. Marker is on South Grant Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is located on the northeast corner of Courthouse Square. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 South Main Street, Carthage MO 64836, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Battle of Carthage

Jasper County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2003

2. Jasper County Courthouse

(within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Pollard Wood (within shouting distance of this marker); Osage War (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Eliel Lanyon (E.L.) Dale (approx. ¼ mile away); Vietnam Memorial For Casualties From Missouri (approx. 0.3 miles away); Last Skirmish of the Battle of Carthage (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rendezous At Carthage (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carthage.

Categories. • Notable Events • War, US Civil •

By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2003

3. Jasper County Courthouse

By Michael Kindig, May 22, 2003

4. Jasper County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on January 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.