Battle of Fort Blair facts for kids

The Battle of Fort Blair, also known as the Battle of Fort Baxter, was a small but very important Civil War battle. It happened in Cherokee County, Kansas, on October 6, 1863. During this fight, the Union army suffered many losses, while the Confederate side had very few.

What Was the Battle of Fort Blair?

The Battle of Fort Blair was a sudden and violent attack during the American Civil War. It was not a large battle with thousands of soldiers, but it was very deadly for the Union troops involved. The fight took place near a small Union outpost called Fort Blair, which was close to a town called Baxter Springs.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The main Union force involved was led by Major General James G. Blunt. He was a Union commander known for leading troops in the western part of the war. His soldiers included cavalry and infantry, some of whom were African American soldiers.

On the Confederate side, the attack was led by William C. Quantrill. He was a famous and feared leader of a group of guerrilla fighters often called "bushwhackers." These groups did not fight like regular armies. Instead, they used surprise attacks and quick raids.

Where Did It Happen?

The battle took place in Cherokee County, Kansas. This area was a dangerous border region during the Civil War. Both Union and Confederate supporters lived there, and there were many small fights and raids. Fort Blair was a small Union fort built to protect the area and supply routes.

The Surprise Attack

On October 6, 1863, General Blunt and his troops were moving through the area. They were heading south towards Fort Smith, Arkansas. A small group of his soldiers, including a band, were ahead of the main column.

Quantrill's bushwhackers, who were hiding nearby, saw this smaller group. They quickly launched a surprise attack. The Union soldiers were caught off guard. Many of them were not ready for a fight.

The Fight at Fort Blair

At the same time, another part of Quantrill's group attacked Fort Blair itself. The fort was defended by a small number of Union soldiers, including some African American troops. The fighting was intense and very quick.

The Union soldiers at the fort fought bravely, but they were heavily outnumbered. Quantrill's men were known for their brutal tactics. They quickly overwhelmed the fort's defenders.

What Happened Next?

The battle was over very quickly. The Union forces suffered heavy losses. Many soldiers were killed, including those who tried to surrender. The number of Union soldiers killed was 103. This included many of the African American soldiers who were defending the fort. The Confederates, on the other hand, lost only three men.

After the attack, Quantrill's men looted the fort and then left the area quickly. General Blunt and his main force arrived later, only to find the terrible scene.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Fort Blair was a small battle in terms of the number of soldiers involved, but it was very important for several reasons:

• High Casualties: It resulted in a very high number of Union deaths for such a short fight.
• Guerrilla Warfare: It showed the brutal nature of the guerrilla warfare that happened along the Kansas-Missouri border during the Civil War.
• Controversy: The way Union soldiers were killed, especially after they tried to surrender, made this battle very controversial and sad. It highlighted the harsh realities of the war in the West.

The battle is a reminder of the difficult and often violent times in Kansas during the Civil War.

Images for kids

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  Map of Baxter Springs Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program