Wilson's Creek Springfield or Oak Hill, Missouri - August 10, 1861

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Wilson's Creek The battle that lasted six hours... Historian Page Brief Description of Battle: In this battle the Rebels got the first blow and they fell back from Bloody Hill. Soon after the confederates rushed up to get ready and to assume their positions. That day the confederates attacked the union three times but still they didn't get thought the union line. Brig. General Lyon's was killed in this battle and Major Samuel D. Sturgis replaced him. After the third confederate attack, that ended at 11:00a.m, the confederates withdrew. Major Sturgis finally realized that his men were tired and their ammunition was low so he ordered his soldiers to retreat to Springfield. In late October, Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson held a convention. They met in Neosho and passed an ordinance of secession. Wilson's Creek is the most significant battle that was held in Missouri on 1861 and gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri.   Significance of Battle to the War: The Casualties on both sides were high. The Confederates lost some 1,200 men out of about 10,000 engaged. The Union lost about 1,3000 out of an original 5,400. The battle of Wilson's Creek in now known as the most significant battle in Missouri that occurred in 1861. It gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri.   Who Won? The Confederates Won.   Who were the key figures (Generals) of the battle from both sides? From the North was Brig. General Nathaniel Lyon but he died in a battle and soon after Major Samuel D. Sturgis replaced him. Brig. Gen. Lyon's is a 1841 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and is currently buried in Phoenixville, Connecticut. From the South was Brig. General Ben McCulloch. He was born in Tennessee and died in Arkansas but he is buried in the Texas State cemetery in Austin. He was born on November 11, 1811 in Rutherford County, Tennessee into a family that grew to twelve children. He became well educated through a lot of reading. In his mid-twenties while in Tennessee, he met a guy named David Crockett. Although he planned to accompany Mr. Crockett to Texas, Mr. McCulloch's plans were delayed. He did arrive in Texas in time to participate in the Battle of San Jacinto. He also became a "49er" in the rush to find gold in California. The following year, in 1850, he was elected sheriff of Sacramento County. He held this position until returning to Texas in 1852. Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon Brigadier General Ben McCulloch What happened? (please refer to the top description for this portion. Mahalo...) When did this battle occur? This battle lasted for six hours on August 10th, 1861 .  Where did this battle take place? This battle took place along Wilson's Creek, ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri.  Why did this battle occur? (please refer to the second portion of this paper for the description.Mahalo...)  How did it end? After the six hour battle the Confederates won.  Important Events at time of battle: 1861: The Kingdom of Italy founded under Victor Emmanuel of Piedmont Sardinia. 1861: Mexico: French and British forces arrive to enforce payment of debt. 1861: Russia: Serfdom ends. 1861: Balkans: Moldavia and Wallachia unite to form Romania; Serbia backs revolt against Turks in Herzegovina. 1861: Europe: Monaco gains independence from France.     If you have any questions about this battle contact Le‘a via e-mail at lea_tupola@yahoo.com.

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