Battle of Mine Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mine Creek Battle of the Osage
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Price Raid by Samuel J. Reader
Date October 25, 1864 (1864-10-25) Location Linn County, Kansas Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Frederick W. Benteen John F. Philips	John S. Marmaduke James F. Fagan
Units involved
Army of the Border	Army of Missouri
Strength
2,500–2,600	7,000
Casualties and losses
100–110	1,200

The Battle of Mine Creek (also known as the Battle of the Osage) was an important battle during the American Civil War. It happened on October 25, 1864, in Linn County, Kansas. This battle was unique because it was one of the largest cavalry battles of the war. Cavalry means soldiers who fight on horseback.

This battle was part of a bigger plan by the Confederate army called Price's Raid. The goal was to try and take back control of Missouri for the Confederacy. But the Union army stopped them at Mine Creek. About 1,300 soldiers were killed or hurt in this fight.

What Was Price's Raid?

In 1864, the American Civil War was nearing its end. The Confederate army in the western states was not doing well. General Sterling Price of the Confederacy decided to try a bold move. He led about 12,000 soldiers on a long journey through Missouri. This journey was called Price's Missouri Expedition or Price's Raid.

General Price hoped to capture St. Louis or Jefferson City, Missouri's capital. He also wanted to gather new soldiers and supplies for the Confederacy. His army was mostly made up of cavalry. They rode horses and moved quickly.

The Long March Through Missouri

Price's army faced many challenges. They had to fight smaller battles along the way. The Union army was chasing them. Many of Price's soldiers were young and not well-trained. They also had a long train of wagons. These wagons carried supplies and things they had taken along the way. This made them slow.

The Union forces, led by generals like Samuel R. Curtis, were determined to stop Price. They gathered their own cavalry units. These Union soldiers were also on horseback. They moved fast to catch up with Price's army.

The Battle at Mine Creek

As Price's army moved west, they reached Kansas. They were trying to cross Mine Creek in Linn County, Kansas. The creek was swollen from recent rains. This made it hard for the wagons and soldiers to cross.

The Union Attack

While the Confederates were struggling to cross the creek, the Union cavalry caught up. Two Union brigades, led by Colonel Frederick Benteen and Colonel John Finis Philips, attacked. These Union soldiers were part of the Army of the Border. They saw a chance to strike the slowed Confederate army.

The Union cavalry charged across the open fields. They surprised the Confederate soldiers. The Confederates were led by generals John S. Marmaduke and James F. Fagan. They quickly formed a battle line to defend themselves.

A Cavalry Clash

The Battle of Mine Creek was unusual because it was fought almost entirely by cavalry. Thousands of horsemen charged at each other. Swords clashed, and guns fired. It was a fast and chaotic fight.

The Union soldiers had an advantage. They were well-organized and attacked with great force. The Confederate lines began to break. Many Confederate soldiers tried to escape across the creek.

The Outcome

The battle was over quickly. The Union army won a clear victory. They captured many Confederate soldiers, including two generals. About 1,200 Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The Union army had far fewer losses, with about 100-110 casualties.

The Battle of Mine Creek was a big defeat for the Confederates. It severely weakened Price's army. They continued to retreat and were no longer a major threat.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Mine Creek was important for several reasons:

• End of Price's Raid: It helped stop General Price's attempt to take Missouri. This meant the Confederacy could not gain a stronger foothold in the western states.
• Largest Cavalry Battle: It was one of the biggest battles where most of the fighting was done by soldiers on horseback. This makes it a unique event in military history.
• Union Victory: It was a significant victory for the Union. It showed their strength and determination to win the war.

After this battle, Price's army continued to retreat south. They eventually reached Texas, but their raid had failed. The Battle of Mine Creek helped secure Union control of Missouri and Kansas. It was one of the last major battles in the western part of the American Civil War.

Images for kids

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  Map of Price's Raid

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  Map of Mine Creek Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program