Battle of Compton's Ferry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Compton's Ferry
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date August 11, 1862 (1862-08-11) Location Grand River, Livingston County, Missouri Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Odon Guitar	John A. Poindexter
Strength
550	1,200-1,500
Casualties and losses
None reported

The Battle of Compton's Ferry was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened near the Grand River in southwest Livingston County, Missouri. The battle lasted from August 10 to August 13, 1862. It was also called Little Compton Ferry.

The Battle of Compton's Ferry

This battle was a key moment in the American Civil War. It showed how Union forces worked to stop Confederate groups in Missouri.

The Chase and the Fight

Confederate Colonel John A. Poindexter led a group of 1,200 to 1,500 new soldiers. They were trying to cross the Grand River at Compton's Ferry. But Union Colonel Odon Guitar and his 550 soldiers found them.

Colonel Guitar's forces chased Poindexter's men for 250 miles over seven days. They attacked them three times. The main attack happened at Compton's Ferry. Here, the Union soldiers caught the Confederates while they were trying to cross the river. This caused a lot of confusion and made the Confederates run away quickly.

The Union side used two cannons, firing only eight shots. This was enough to make the Confederates retreat. The Union soldiers also got back many supplies and equipment.

During the battle, about 150 Confederate soldiers were hurt, killed, or drowned in the river. Another 100 Confederate soldiers were captured. The Union forces had much fewer losses. Only 5 Union soldiers were wounded, and 10 horses were killed.

Stories from the battle describe how soldiers tried to escape. Many threw away their guns and rode their horses into the river. Some horses made it back to shore, but many drowned. A lot of soldiers, their bags, horses, mules, guns, and wagons were captured.

After this battle, Union forces led by Guitar and Benjamin Loan kept chasing Poindexter's men. They dealt another big blow at the Battle of Yellow Creek. Colonel Poindexter, who was wounded, was captured later in September. He was wearing regular clothes, trying to hide.

After the Battle

The Battle of Compton's Ferry and the later Battle of Yellow Creek had a big impact. They largely stopped the Confederates from getting new soldiers in that part of Missouri. They also ended most of the larger, unofficial fighting group operations north of the Missouri River.

After these battles, Governor Gamble gave Colonel Guitar a higher rank. He was promoted to Brigadier-General in the Enrolled Missouri Militia.