Engagement at Fredericktown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Engagement at Fredericktown |
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| Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War |
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 Fredericktown Battlefield |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 Missouri (Confederate) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Col. Joseph B. Plummer Col. William P. Carlin |
Brig. Gen. M. Jeff Thompson | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| 11th Missouri Infantry | Missouri State Guard | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 2,500-3,500 | 1,500 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 67 | 145 total 25 killed 40 wounded 80 captured |
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The Engagement at Fredericktown, also known as the Battle of Fredericktown, was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on October 21, 1861, in Madison County, Missouri. The Union side won this battle. This victory helped the Union gain more control over southeastern Missouri.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
In October 1861, a general named M. Jeff Thompson led about 1,500 soldiers. These soldiers were part of the Missouri State Guard, which supported the Confederate side. Thompson's group moved into southeastern Missouri.
On October 15, Thompson's men burned a railroad bridge. This bridge was over the Big River in Jefferson County, Missouri. They also captured many guards who were protecting the bridge.
The Union army sent two groups of soldiers to chase Thompson. One group had 1,500 men, led by Colonel Joseph B. Plummer. The other group had 3,000 men, led by Colonel William P. Carlin.
By October 20, Thompson learned that the Union soldiers were coming. He moved his troops south of Fredericktown, Missouri. But that evening, he decided to turn around and attack the Union forces instead.
The Battle Begins
Thompson spent the early morning trying to figure out how many Union soldiers there were. He also wanted to know where they were located. Since he couldn't find out, he set up his troops and cannons in a hidden spot. They waited along the road for the Union forces to arrive.
Most of Thompson's Missouri State Guard hid on high ground covered with trees. This area formed a "U" shape overlooking the road. Closer to the road, Colonel Aden Lowe's soldiers waited in a cornfield. They were meant to be bait, to draw the Union soldiers in.
Behind Lowe's men, there was a large 12-pounder cannon. Three smaller 6-pounder cannons were placed further back and to the side.
Union Forces Arrive
Around noon, Colonel Plummer arrived with his soldiers. Some of Colonel Carlin's troops were also with him. Union cavalry, led by Captain Stewart, made the first contact with Thompson's hidden forces.
Colonel Ross's 17th Illinois Infantry started fighting Lowe's troops. First, small groups of soldiers called skirmishers fought. Then, the main line of the regiment joined in.
The Union army brought out some of their cannons. They fired at the Missourians' 12-pounder cannon, which fired back.
Fighting Intensifies
The 20th Illinois and the 11th Missouri (Union) attacked Lowe's soldiers from both sides. More Union cannons joined the fight.
Colonel Lowe waited too long to pull his soldiers back. He was killed by a shot to the head. His regiment had to retreat, and they lost many soldiers.
The 1st Indiana Cavalry tried to chase them and capture the 12-pounder cannon. But Thompson's soldiers, hidden on the ridges, fired heavily at them. The cavalry had many casualties and had to stop.
They asked for help from the infantry. The 17th Illinois soldiers then moved forward. They captured the 12-pounder cannon, which had been left behind. As more Union infantry soldiers came onto the field, Thompson began to pull his guardsmen back in an organized way. He mostly succeeded, though some of his cavalry soldiers ran away in a panic.
Battle Results
Thompson's Missouri State Guardsmen had 145 casualties in total. This included 25 soldiers killed, 40 wounded, and 80 captured. They also lost one cannon, an old iron 12-pounder.
The Union army reported fewer casualties. They had 7 soldiers killed and about 60 wounded. There were also other casualties from smaller fights before and after the main battle.
After the Battle
Some Union soldiers thought that local people had helped Thompson during the battle. They were also angry because they felt Union-supporting citizens were treated badly during the march.
This anger led to some damage in Fredericktown. At least seven homes were burned, and other buildings were damaged. This happened before the Union officers were able to get their men under control again.
