Battle of Wilson's Creek Facts for Kids

The Battle of Wilson's Creek was an important fight during the American Civil War. It was also known as the "Bull Run of the West." This battle was special because it was the first big fight west of the Mississippi River. Sadly, Nathaniel Lyon, a general for the Union side, was the first general to die in the entire Civil War during this battle.

Before the Battle
The Battle Begins
Fighting and Retreat
Medal of Honor Heroes
Images for kids
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Before the Battle

Map of the battle of Wilson's Creek, Aug. 10, 1861

In the summer of 1861, both the Union Army and the Confederate Army wanted to control Missouri. By mid-July 1861, the Union Army of the West, led by Brigadier general Nathaniel Lyon, set up camp in Springfield, Missouri. General Lyon had about 5,400 soldiers under his command.

About 75 miles southwest of Springfield, the pro-Southern Missouri State Guard was camped. They were led by Major general Sterling Price. Price was joined by Confederate generals Benjamin McCulloch and Nicholas Bartlett Pearce. Together, their forces had about 12,000 soldiers.

In late July, both armies started moving closer. Each side tried to learn about the other's plans. A small fight happened at Dug Springs, Missouri, on August 2. The Union forces won this skirmish. However, General Lyon then realized the Confederates had more than twice as many soldiers as he did. The Union forces then went back to Springfield.

The Battle Begins

Battle of Wilson's Creek, General Lyon being shot

On August 9, 1861, General Lyon marched his troops from Springfield. They headed towards Wilson Creek, where the Confederates were now camped. Lyon's plan was for Colonel Franz Sigel to go around the Confederate army and attack them from behind. The rest of Lyon's forces would attack from the north.

On August 10, Sigel's surprise attack from the side gave the Union army an early advantage. The two armies fought fiercely in the fields and hills around Wilson's Creek. The fighting lasted for six hours. Many soldiers were hurt or killed on both sides.

Sigel's attack was very successful at first. But it went wrong when he thought some Confederate soldiers were Union troops. He let them get too close without challenging them. This mistake cost him his advantage.

Fighting and Retreat

The Confederates attacked the Union battle line three times. Each time, they failed to break through. During the battle, General Lyon was killed. Major Samuel D. Sturgis then took over command of the Union forces. Meanwhile, Sigel's mistake led to his forces being defeated.

After the third attack, around 11:00 AM, the Confederates pulled back. Major Sturgis's men were running low on ammunition and were very tired. So, he decided to retreat back to Springfield. The Confederate army was too disorganized to follow them.

Technically, the Confederate Army won because the Union Army left the battlefield. However, many people see it as a Union victory because they still kept control of Missouri. The Confederate army called this battle the Battle of "Oak Hill(s)."