Battle of Marais des Cygnes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marais des Cygnes
Part of the American Civil War
Date October 25, 1864 (1864-10-25) Location Linn County, Kansas Result Union victory
Belligerents
U.S. (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Alfred Pleasonton John F. Philips Frederick Benteen	Sterling Price John S. Marmaduke James F. Fagan
Units involved
Phillips's and Benteen's brigades of the U.S. Provisional Cavalry Division	Army of Missouri
Strength
2,600	7,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Marais des Cygnes was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on October 25, 1864, in Linn County, Kansas. This battle is also known as the Battle of Osage or the Battle of Trading Post. It was the first of three battles that took place on the same day. These battles involved soldiers from the Confederate Army of Missouri, led by Major General Sterling Price. They also involved the Union Provisional Cavalry Division, led by Major General Alfred Pleasonton.

What Was the American Civil War?

The American Civil War was a big conflict in the United States. It lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states). A main reason for the war was the issue of slavery. The Union wanted to keep the country together and end slavery. The Confederacy wanted to form its own country where slavery could continue.

Price's Missouri Expedition

In 1864, the Civil War was nearing its end. Confederate Major General Sterling Price led a large group of soldiers. This group was called the Army of Missouri. Price's goal was to try and take back the state of Missouri for the Confederacy. He also hoped to cause problems for President Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming election. This journey was known as Price's Missouri Expedition.

The Raid's Journey

Price's army marched through Missouri. They fought several smaller battles along the way. But they did not achieve their main goals. Union forces, including those led by Major General Alfred Pleasonton, chased after Price's army. The Confederates were running low on supplies. Many of their soldiers were tired or sick.

The Battle of Marais des Cygnes

As Price's army moved west, they entered Kansas. On October 25, 1864, the Union cavalry caught up with them. This happened near the Marais des Cygnes River in Linn County, Kansas.

The Morning Attack

The Union forces attacked the Confederate army early in the morning. The Confederates were surprised. They were trying to cross the river. The Union soldiers pushed hard. They forced the Confederates to retreat. This battle was quick but fierce.

Union Victory

The Union army won the Battle of Marais des Cygnes. This victory was important. It showed that Price's raid was failing. The Confederates lost many men and supplies. This battle was just the start of a very busy day. Two more battles, the Battle of Mine Creek and the Battle of Marmiton River, happened later that same day. These battles further weakened Price's army.

After the Battle

After the Battle of Marais des Cygnes, Price's army continued to retreat. They were chased by Union forces. Price's Missouri Expedition ended in failure. It was the last major Confederate effort in the western states. The Battle of Marais des Cygnes helped stop the raid. It showed the strength of the Union army in the region.

Images for kids

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  Map of Price's Raid

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  Map of Marais des Cygnes battlefield by the American Battlefield Protection Program

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  Confederate cavalry during Price's Raid drawn by Samuel J. Reader in 1865