Pilot Knob in Iron County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Struggle for the Mountains
Sept. 27, Morning
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 Davidson’s 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 fort’s 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. 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 Doomed Assault (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fight for Ironton (within shouting distance of this marker); Pilot Knob Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Davidson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Moat (within shouting distance of this marker); The Powder Magazine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Mary's Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); The Battle of Pilot Knob (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pilot Knob.
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. 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 307 times since then and 13 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.