Skirmish at Albany, Missouri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skirmish at Albany, Missouri
Part of American Civil War
Date October 26, 1864 Location Albany (modern day Orrick, Missouri), Ray County, Missouri Result Union Victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Samuel P. Cox	William T. Anderson   †
Strength
300 Union troops	150 mounted Confederate guerrillas
Casualties and losses
4 wounded	27

The Skirmish at Albany, Missouri was a small but important battle during the American Civil War. It happened in Ray County, Missouri, on October 26, 1864. This fight was between soldiers from the Union Army and a group called Quantrill's Raiders. The Union side won this skirmish. A well-known leader of Quantrill's Raiders, William T. Anderson, also known as "Bloody Bill," was killed during this battle.

The Albany Skirmish: A Civil War Clash

A skirmish is a small fight, often a surprise attack, between small groups of soldiers. The Skirmish at Albany was one of many such clashes during the American Civil War. It took place in Missouri, a state where people were divided in their support for the Union or the Confederacy.

Who Were the Fighters?

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was fought between the United States (the Union) and the Confederate States of America (the Confederacy). In Missouri, the fighting often involved regular armies and also smaller, unofficial groups.

The Union Side

The Union Army was the army of the United States. They fought to keep the country together. At Albany, about 300 Union troops were involved. Their commander was Samuel P. Cox. These soldiers were trying to keep peace and control in the area.

Quantrill's Raiders: A Rebel Group

Quantrill's Raiders were a group of Confederate guerrillas. Guerrillas are fighters who use surprise attacks and ambushes instead of traditional battles. They often operated behind enemy lines. This group was led by William Quantrill. One of his most famous and feared leaders was William T. Anderson, known as "Bloody Bill." Anderson led about 150 mounted guerrillas at Albany.

What Happened at Albany?

The skirmish happened near a place called Albany, which is now part of Orrick, Missouri. The Union forces were looking for Quantrill's Raiders. These guerrilla groups often caused trouble in the region.

The Union troops found Anderson's group on October 26, 1864. A fight quickly broke out. The battle was short but intense.

The Battle's Outcome

The Union Army won the Skirmish at Albany. This was an important victory for the Union in Missouri. The biggest outcome was the death of William T. Anderson. He was a very well-known and dangerous leader of the Confederate guerrillas. His death weakened Quantrill's Raiders. It also helped the Union gain more control in that part of Missouri.