Battle of Clark's Mill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Clark's Mill
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date November 7, 1862 (1862-11-07) Location Douglas County, Missouri Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Hiram E. Barstow	John Q. Burbridge Colton Greene
Units involved
10th Illinois Cavalry Missouri state militia	Missouri Brigade
Strength
100	1,500
Casualties and losses
9 Killed, 37 Wounded	34 killed, Some Wounded

The Battle of Clark's Mill was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on November 7, 1862. The battle took place near Bryant Creek in central Douglas County, Missouri.

What Happened at Clark's Mill?

Captain Hiram E. Barstow was a commander for the Union army at Clark's Mill. He heard that Confederate soldiers were nearby. Captain Barstow sent some of his men to check the area. He led another group himself.

First Skirmish

Barstow's group soon met Confederate soldiers. This happened where Bryant Creek and Fox Creek meet. After a short fight, the Confederates were pushed back. Barstow and his men then went back to Clark's Mill.

The Main Battle

Back at Clark's Mill, Captain Barstow learned more Confederates were coming. These new troops were approaching from the northeast. Barstow quickly set up his cannons to cover both roads leading to the mill.

A five-hour battle then began. The Union soldiers fought hard against the larger Confederate force.

Surrender and Aftermath

Eventually, the Confederates offered a white flag. They demanded that the Union soldiers surrender. The Union troops were greatly outnumbered. Because of this, they agreed to surrender.

The Confederates then "paroled" the Union soldiers. This meant the Union soldiers promised not to fight again until they were officially exchanged for Confederate prisoners. After the surrender, the Confederates burned the blockhouse at Clark's Mill. A blockhouse was a strong, small fort.

This battle helped the Confederates keep a small hold in southwest Missouri.

Where the Battle Took Place

The battle happened in the middle of Douglas County. It was about 10 miles east of Ava. The exact spot was near the old county seat of Vera Cruz. It was also close to where Bryant Creek and Hunter Creek join together.

Map of Clark's Mill Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program with the Clarks Mill battle area (red outline) in the northwest and the skirmish south of Bertha (red outline) to the southeast