List of battles fought in Missouri facts for kids

Missouri, a state in the United States, has a long history filled with many important events. Some of these events were military conflicts, or battles, that happened within its borders. These fights involved different groups, from early European settlers and Native American tribes to soldiers during the American Civil War. This list tells you about some of these battles, helping us understand the state's past.

Missouri's Past Conflicts

Missouri has seen many battles throughout its history. These conflicts often involved different groups fighting over land, beliefs, or control. Understanding these events helps us learn about how Missouri became the state it is today.

Early Battles: Before the Civil War

Before the major conflict of the American Civil War, Missouri was a place where different groups clashed. These early battles shaped the region.

The American Revolution in Missouri

Even during the American Revolutionary War, Missouri saw action.

• The Battle of St. Louis happened on May 25, 1780. This was a fight in St. Louis where Spanish forces, with about 320 people, defended against a larger British and Native American force of about 1,500. The Spanish won this battle, protecting their control of the area. About 108 people were hurt or killed.

War of 1812 and Native American Conflicts

After the Revolutionary War, more conflicts arose, including during the War of 1812 and ongoing disputes with Native American tribes.

• The Battle of the Sink Hole took place on May 24, 1815, in Lincoln County. This was during the War of 1812. The Sauk tribe fought against the United States, and the U.S. won. Eight people were killed or wounded.
• In July 1829, a battle happened near Schuyler County, sometimes called Battle Creek. This was part of the American Indian Wars. The Iowa tribe fought American settlers, and the United States won.

The Missouri Mormon War

In the late 1830s, a series of conflicts known as the Missouri Mormon War occurred. These fights involved members of the Latter-Day Saints church and other Missouri citizens.

• The Gallatin Election Day Battle on August 6, 1838, in Gallatin, involved Latter-Day Saints and about 200 Missouri citizens. The citizens won this clash.
• The Battle of Crooked River on October 28, 1838, near Crooked River, saw Latter-Day Saints fight the Missouri State Militia. The Latter-Day Saints won, but four people were killed.
• The Haun's Mill Massacre on October 30, 1838, in Caldwell County, was a tragic event. Latter-Day Saints faced about 240 Missouri State Militia members. The militia won, and 21 people were killed.

The American Civil War in Missouri

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a very difficult time for the United States, and Missouri was a key battleground. The state was divided, with some supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Many battles took place here.

Early Clashes (1861)

The war started quickly, and Missouri saw some of the first major fights.

• The First Battle of Boonville on June 17, 1861, in Boonville, was an early Union victory. About 1,700 Union soldiers fought against 1,500 Missouri State Guard (Confederate supporters). Ten Union soldiers were killed.
• The Battle of Cole Camp on June 19, 1861, in Benton County, was a Confederate win. The Missouri State Guard defeated the Benton County Home Guard. Many were killed or wounded.
• The Engagement near Carthage on July 5, 1861, near Carthage, was a Confederate victory. About 6,000 Missouri State Guard fought 1,100 Union soldiers.
• The Battle of Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861, in Christian and Greene counties, was a major Confederate victory. It was one of the earliest large battles in the war. The Union had 5,430 soldiers, and the Missouri State Guard had 12,120. Over 500 Union soldiers were killed.
• The First Battle of Lexington from September 13–20, 1861, in Lexington, was a significant Confederate victory. The Missouri State Guard, with 15,000 soldiers, captured a Union garrison of 3,500.

Major Battles and Turning Points (1862-1863)

The fighting continued fiercely in Missouri through 1862 and 1863.

• The Battle of Island Number Ten (also called New Madrid) was a long fight from February 28 to April 8, 1862, near New Madrid. The Union used gunboats and mortar rafts to defeat about 7,000 Confederate soldiers. This was a big Union victory, capturing many Confederate troops.
• The Battle of Kirksville on August 6, 1862, in Adair County, was a Union victory. About 1,000 Union soldiers fought 2,500 Confederates.
• The First Battle of Independence on August 11, 1862, in Independence, was a Confederate victory. About 800 Confederates defeated 344 Union soldiers.
• The Battle of Lone Jack on August 15–16, 1862, in Jackson County, was another Confederate victory.
• The Second Battle of Springfield on January 8, 1863, in Springfield, was a Union victory. Over 2,000 Union soldiers fought nearly 1,900 Confederates.
• The Battle of Cape Girardeau on April 26, 1863, in Cape Girardeau County, was a Union victory. About 4,000 Union soldiers defended against 5,000 Confederates.

The Final Years (1864)

As the war neared its end, Missouri still saw important battles.

• The Battle of Fort Davidson on September 27, 1864, in Iron County, was a Union victory despite being greatly outnumbered. 1,500 Union soldiers faced 12,000 Confederates.
• The Battle of Glasgow on October 15, 1864, in Glasgow, was a Confederate victory.
• The Second Battle of Lexington on October 19, 1864, in Lexington, was a Confederate victory.
• The Battle of Westport on October 23, 1864, in Westport, was one of the largest battles west of the Mississippi River. It was a major Union victory, with 22,000 Union soldiers defeating 8,500 Confederates. This battle helped end major Confederate operations in Missouri.

Images for kids

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  St. Louis (1780)

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  Haun's Mill (1838)

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  Boonville (1861)

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  Carthage (1861)

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  Wilson's Creek (1861)

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  New Madrid (1862)

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  Kirksville (1862)

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  Island Mound (1862)