Battle of Kirksville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kirksville
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Artist rendering of the Battle of Kirksville.
Date August 6, 1862 (1862-08-06) Location Adair County, Missouri 40°11′42″N 92°35′01″W / 40.1951°N 92.5837°W / 40.1951; -92.5837 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
John McNeil	Joseph C. Porter
Strength
1,000	2,500
Casualties and losses
88	368

The Battle of Kirksville was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Kirksville, Missouri, on August 6, 1862. The Union side won. This victory helped them gain stronger control over northeastern Missouri.

What Happened at Kirksville?

Map of the Kirksville Battlefield.

In the summer of 1862, Confederate Col. Joseph C. Porter was gathering soldiers. He was in the Macon area, south of Kirksville. He had about 1,500 to 2,500 troops. Many of his soldiers were not well-trained or equipped.

Porter's group had been active as far north as Memphis, Missouri. Many people in the Kirksville area supported the Confederacy. This was because most residents had Southern family roots. A Confederate captain named Tice Cain asked Porter to come to Kirksville. Cain said he had 500 new soldiers ready there.

Union Colonel John McNeil and his troops were chasing Porter. McNeil led about 1,000 soldiers from the 2nd Missouri Cavalry. They had been pursuing Porter for over a week.

The Battle Begins

On August 6, McNeil's forces found Porter's troops in Kirksville. The Confederates were hiding in homes, stores, and nearby fields. They were especially strong around the county courthouse and buildings on the town square.

Union soldiers discovered their hiding spots. A small group rode around the square on purpose. This made the Confederates shoot, showing where they were. Two Union soldiers bravely lost their lives in this action.

McNeil set up his cannons. Then, his soldiers moved forward in a wide line toward the town square. The cannon fire scared many defenders. Some of them moved back behind a rail fence west of the square.

Union Forces Advance

The Union troops then moved in two groups. Lt. Col. William F. Shaffer led the right side. Major Henry Clay Caldwell led the left side. As the two groups met, they pushed the Confederates out of the courthouse.

Porter's remaining soldiers gave up ground. They joined the others behind the rail fence. From there, the Confederates fired heavily at McNeil's men. But the Union forces were too strong. The battle started at 11 a.m. and ended by 2 p.m.

The Union soldiers then took control of the town. They captured many Confederate prisoners. The rest of Porter's forces were driven away. A few days later, another Union group arrived. They finished what was started at Kirksville. This almost completely destroyed Porter's command.

After the Battle

The Battle of Kirksville was a clear victory for the Union. It helped the Union gain strong control in northeastern Missouri.

After the battle, a local citizen named John L. Porter helped. He asked to treat the wounded Confederate soldiers. McNeil agreed and even provided a surgeon and medical tools. The Confederate dead were buried in mass graves at Forest Llewellen Cemetery. A monument now marks this spot. Some families later moved their loved ones' bodies.

Union Colonel McNeil continued his service. He later became the Sheriff of St. Louis County. He passed away on June 7, 1891. Confederate Colonel Porter died on February 18, 1863. He passed away from wounds he received in a different battle at Hartville.

Today, Memorial Park in Kirksville remembers the battle. This park is near where the Union cannons were placed.

Gallery

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  The Adair County Courthouse, used by Confederate sharpshooters during the Battle of Kirksville

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  Union commander Col. John McNeil

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  Confederate Lt. Colonel Frisby McCullough, captured after the Battle of Kirksville