Mound City's post facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mound City's post |
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|---|---|
| Mound City, Kansas | |
| Coordinates | 38°08′44″N 94°48′55″W / 38.1455°N 94.8154°W |
| Type | U.S. Army Civil War post |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | U.S. Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1860 |
| In use | 1860 to ca. June 1865 |
| Materials | wood, stone, brick |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Col. Charles R. Jennison, Lieut. Peter J. Mizerez, Col. Thomas Moonlight, Capt. Louis F. Green, Lieut. Col. S. A. Drake, Col. George H. Hoyt, Capt. Hobart M. Stocking, Maj. John M. Laing, Capt. Henry L. Barker |
| Garrison | same |
Mound City's post was a military camp set up in Mound City, Kansas, by 1860. During the American Civil War, it became a very important place. Its main job was to protect the Kansas-Missouri border from attacks by Confederate fighters.
In August 1861, U.S. Senator James H. Lane said the post needed stronger defenses. Throughout the war, about 200 to 300 soldiers were usually stationed there.
One of the most well-known commanders of this post was Charles Jennison. He led a group of Union fighters known as Jayhawkers or Redlegs. These groups sometimes took things from people in Missouri, believing they were against the Union. Because of his actions, Jennison was removed from his command and later left the army.
The Battle of Mound City
Things were mostly quiet at Mound City until the fall of 1864. At that time, Confederate Major General Sterling Price was finishing a large raid through Missouri. As Price's army retreated south, the Mound City post found itself in their path.
On October 25, 1864, just after sunrise, about 600 Confederate soldiers attacked the town. However, Union troops led by Colonel Thomas Moonlight easily pushed them back. Later that morning, Colonel S. A. Drake arrived with more soldiers.
Meanwhile, a major battle was happening nearby at Mine Creek. This battle was a big victory for the Union. It helped drive Price's army out of Kansas and Missouri for good.
After Colonel Moonlight left Mound City, about 150 Confederate fighters, likely guerrillas, attacked again. They came from a cornfield near the town. This second attack was harder to stop. Union soldiers fought bravely to drive them away. At least one Union soldier was killed, and many on both sides were hurt. About eighteen Confederate fighters were captured during this fight.
Caring for the Wounded
The day after the battle, many wounded soldiers from both sides were brought to Mound City. A hospital was quickly set up in the town. Different buildings, including the post's supply store, were used to care for the injured.
Fifty-six Union soldiers and sixty-two Confederate soldiers were treated in Mound City. They were kept in separate buildings. As the soldiers got better, they were sent away. Sadly, sixteen Confederate and three Union soldiers died from their wounds. The last wounded soldiers left in April 1865.
The military post stayed open for a little while longer, but with fewer soldiers. It was likely closed down completely in June 1865, after the war ended.
