Silas M. Gordon facts for kids

Silas M. Gordon (1835–1888) was a Confederate fighter during the American Civil War. He was known for leading a small group of fighters, called guerrillas, who worked independently. His actions indirectly led to the town of Platte City, Missouri, being burned down twice by Union forces. A town in Texas, Gordonville, Texas, is named after him.

Silas "Si" Gordon was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in 1835. Later, he moved with his parents, William and Lucretia Gordon, to Platte County, Missouri.

Gordon's Role in the Civil War

When the Civil War began, Gordon became involved in various guerrilla activities. These included capturing Union officers in Missouri. He was also accused of planning the Platte Bridge Railroad Tragedy on September 3, 1861. In this event, a train from the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad went off its tracks. This happened because a bridge over the Platte River near St. Joseph, Missouri, had been damaged on purpose.

Early Actions and Platte City

In November 1861, Gordon and about 30 to 40 of his followers set up camp near the Platte County Courthouse in Platte City. That same month, he fought against Federal (Union) troops at Bee Creek, where two Union soldiers were killed. In December, his group briefly took control of Weston, Missouri.

Gordon took county records from the courthouse. He also threatened to harm the local judge if the judge came to Platte City. Because of Gordon's actions, Union General David Hunter sent an order from nearby Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He told the Platte County leaders to hand over Gordon within 10 days. If they did not, the city would be burned, and enslaved people in the county would be freed.

In early December, Colonel James Morgan marched from St. Joseph to Platte City. On December 16, during the Burning of Platte City, he set fire to parts of the city and the courthouse. Colonel Morgan's troops also captured three of Gordon's men.

Joining the Confederate Army

After these events, Gordon joined the Missouri State Guard, which was part of the Confederate forces, under General Sterling Price. He took part in several major battles, including the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Battle of Iuka, the Second Battle of Corinth, and the Battle of Vicksburg.

It was also reported that Gordon joined another well-known guerrilla leader, William Quantrill, and his group, Quantrill's Raiders, in Texas.

Return to Missouri and Later Life

Gordon returned to Missouri in 1864 and continued his guerrilla activities around Platte County. In July 1864, Union troops once again burned parts of Platte City. This was another attempt to capture Gordon. The courthouse, which was damaged in the first fire, was not rebuilt until 1867.

After the war, Gordon went back to Texas. He lived in the town of Gordonville until his death in 1888.