Missouri State Guard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Missouri State Guard |
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The Confederate State flag (1861–1865)
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| Active | 1861–1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States |
| Allegiance | Missouri |
| Type | State Guard |
| Size | 23,000–28,000 (1861) |
| Engagements | American Civil War
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| Disbanded | May 11, 1865 |
| Commanders | |
| Commander in Chief | 1861–1862 Claiborne F. Jackson 1862–1865 Thomas C. Reynolds |
| Major-General | Maj. Gen. Sterling Price |
| Adjutant-General | Brig. Gen. Warwick Hough |
The Missouri State Guard (MSG) was a military group formed in Missouri during the American Civil War. It was created by the Missouri General Assembly, which is like the state's law-making body, on May 11, 1861. Even though it wasn't officially part of the main Confederate States Army, the Missouri State Guard often fought alongside Confederate soldiers. Sometimes, they even took orders from Confederate officers.
Contents
Why Was the Missouri State Guard Formed?
The Start of the Guard in Missouri
The Missouri General Assembly created the Missouri State Guard on May 11, 1861. This happened right after an event called the Camp Jackson affair in St. Louis. During this event, Union soldiers captured a pro-Confederate militia camp.
New Rules for State Defense
The new law, called the "Military Bill," was approved on May 14. It allowed the Governor of Missouri, Claiborne Fox Jackson, to change the existing state militia. He could turn it into the Missouri State Guard. The main goal was to prepare for a possible invasion by the Union Army.
Controlling Other Groups
The new law also said that other local military groups were not allowed. The only exceptions were those approved by the Guard's commanders. This rule was mostly meant to stop Union supporters in Missouri from forming their own "Home Guard" groups. It especially targeted German-Americans, who mostly supported the Union.
Who Could Join the Guard?
The state was divided into nine military areas, like districts. Men aged 18 to 45 could join the Missouri State Guard. However, some people were excused because of their jobs or other reasons. Each district's group was led by a brigadier general.
A Major General Takes Command
On May 15, another law was passed to appoint a major general to lead the entire Guard in the field. Sterling Price, a very popular former governor, was chosen for this important role. He was one of the most influential people in Missouri at the time.
Key Events and Battles of the Missouri State Guard
Early Days and Challenges
Recruits for the Missouri State Guard quickly gathered in Jefferson City in mid-May. However, a temporary agreement, called the Price–Harney Truce, stopped their movement. This truce was between General Price and the Union commander, William S. Harney.
The Truce Ends and War Begins
On May 30, Harney was replaced by Nathaniel Lyon. A meeting on June 11 failed to fix disagreements, and the truce ended. Price and Governor Jackson quickly left St. Louis for Jefferson City. The next day, Governor Jackson asked for 50,000 volunteers to defend Missouri. Thousands of men joined the Guard in their local areas.
Early Battles and Training
The Missouri State Guard faced a tough start at the Battle of Boonville on June 17. They had to retreat towards southwest Missouri. Two days later, the Guard won a victory at Cole Camp. This win helped clear their path.
Another victory happened on July 5 at the Battle of Carthage. These early wins gave General Price time to train his new recruits. Many of them had arrived with only farm tools or old hunting weapons. Training and organization took place at Cowskin Prairie.
Major Victories and Setbacks
On August 10, Price and his men, along with Confederate soldiers, defeated a smaller Union force at Battle of Wilson's Creek. Union General Nathaniel Lyon was killed in this battle. Price then led 10,000 men to defeat a smaller Union cavalry group at Battle of Dry Wood Creek in early September.
Later that month, Price captured 3,600 Federal troops at the First Battle of Lexington. This battle is also known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales. As the Union army moved towards Springfield, the Guard pulled back. On October 25, 1861, a quick attack by Union cavalry routed some local Guard troops at the First Battle of Springfield.
Missouri Joins the Confederacy
Soon after these events, some members of the Missouri legislature met in Neosho. They claimed to have passed an Ordinance of Secession on October 30. Governor Jackson signed it the next day. Even though the people of Missouri didn't vote on it, the Confederate Congress officially recognized Missouri as the 12th Confederate State on November 28, 1861.
Later Actions and End of the Guard
During the winter, General Price encouraged many of his men to join the regular Confederate army. Parts of the Missouri State Guard fought in the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862. After this battle, Price officially merged the Missouri State Guard into the Confederate Army of the West.
Later, former Missouri State Guard soldiers formed the core of the Army of Missouri. This group took part in Price's Missouri Expedition in 1864, trying to capture the state. A few small Guard units remained independent until the war ended in 1865. They fought in several battles in the western part of the war, known as the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
How Many Soldiers Were in the Guard?
Experts believe that at least 34,000 Missourians served in the Missouri State Guard at some point. The actual number might have been closer to 40,000. The Guard was strongest in September 1861, with about 23,000 to 28,000 soldiers. An additional 5,000 soldiers were in Southeast Missouri, operating separately.
Divisions of the Guard
The Missouri State Guard was organized into divisions based on the state's congressional districts. Each division covered specific counties. For example:
- First Division: Covered counties like St Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Cape Girardeau.
- Second Division: Included counties such as Scotland, Clark, and Marion.
- Third Division: Had counties like Putnam, Schuyler, and Macon.
- Fourth Division: Covered Gentry, Harrison, and Mercer counties.
- Fifth Division: Included Atchison, Nodaway, and Buchanan counties.
- Sixth Division: Had counties like Saline, Pettis, and Cooper.
- Seventh Division: Covered Dallas, Laclede, and Texas counties.
- Eighth Division: Included Jackson, Lafayette, and Cass counties.
- Ninth Division: Covered St. Louis, Washington, and Franklin counties. This division was not fully organized after the Camp Jackson affair.
The State Flag of the Guard
Missouri did not have an official state flag until June 5, 1861. On that day, Major-General Sterling Price, the commander of the Missouri State Guard, gave an order about the flag:
"Each regiment will adopt the State flag, made of blue merino, 6 by 5 feet, with the Missouri coat-of-arms in gold gilt on each side. Each mounted company will have a guidon, the flag of which will be of white merino, 3 by 2 1/2 feet, with the letters M. S. G. in gilt on each side. The length of the pike for colors and guidons will be nine feet long, including spear and ferule. Each company of infantry will have one drum and one fife. Each company of mounted men will have two bugles or trumpets. If the colors, guidons, drums, fifes, and bugles cannot be procured in the district requisitions will be made on the quartermaster-general of the State."
Images for kids
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1st Regiment of the Missouri State Guard at Camp Lewis, 1860
