Today, I had the opportunity to visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We vacation in southwest Missouri every June, so I consider this my “home” battlefield. I truly enjoy traipsing around this battlefield, as it is so well preserved. While it is close to Springfield, Missouri, near the small community of Republic, it has not been subjected to the urban sprawl that so many other battlefields are enduring. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the second major battle of the Civil War, and the first in the Western theater. I will be writing a feature length article on the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, for its 148th anniversary, on August 10. In the meantime, I have some pictures of this pristine battlefield to share with you today.
Picture 1: Wilson’s Creek – Near Gibson’s Mill
This area is the northern end of the Confederate camps. The Confederates would be surprised here by US Major General Nathanial Lyon’s Federal troops.
Picture 2: Ray Cornfield
Significant fighting took place around the Ray cornfield. From the south end of the field, the Confederate troops pushed part of the Federal forces north across Wilson’s Creek.
Picture 3: The Ray house
The Ray family was able to watch much of the fighting from their front porch. CSA Colonel Richard Weightman died here. US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon’s body was brought here and laid in a bed, after the fighting ended.
Picture 4: Backoff’s Battery
Backoff’s Battery pounded the Confederate soldiers caught between US Colonel Franz Sigel’s troops, approaching from the south, and Lyon’s troops from the north. The battery was part of Sigel’s command.
Picture 5: Guibor’s Confederate Battery
Henry Guibor’s Battery was unlimbered near the base of Bloody Hill. From here, they dueled with Federal artillery commanded by James Totten. After four charges, the Confederates would find the Federals had abandoned Bloody Hill.
Picture 6: Bloody Hill from the Federal position
The view from the Federal position on Bloody Hill. This high ground commanded the surrounding terrain, allowing the Federals to withstand multiple Confederate charges.
Picture 7: Totten’s 2nd U.S. Artillery Battery
2nd U.S. Artillery Battery commanded by James Totten. These guns poured a devastating fire into the charging Confederate troops.
Picture 8: US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon’s monument
Stone tablet marking the approximate spot US Brigadier General Nathanial Lyon was killed. After his mortal wounding the Federal position deteriorated and they were forced to retreat towards Springfield, Missouri.
Watch for a complete article on the fascinating battle of Wilson’s Creek, around August 10 – the anniversary of the battle.
I would agree that the battlefield is well maintained. Managed controlled burns helps to restore the native prarie grass that was present at the time. Trees now obscure the view that a soldier would have during the battle, but the tour route helps to identify points of interest during the ebb and flow of the battle. Corn has been planted in the respective locations around the Ray House to further give a feel of what it might have looked like at the time. Park volunteers are posted at different points of interest who are eager to fill in the details of what life was like for both civilians and soldiers. They also know details about equipment and tools that were in use during that time period. Living history events are scheduled throughout the year offering something for everyone. Wilson’s Creek Battlefield is truly a gem of the National Park Service. The park rangers are very eager to help and show pride in their operation and what they have accomplished. The pace of the park is leisurely and the hours seem to melt away on a visit. I’ll look forward to your upcoming article.