Wilsons Creek (Missouri) facts for kids
Wilsons Creek is a stream about 13.9 miles (22.4 kilometers) long in Missouri, United States. It flows near Springfield, Missouri. This creek starts when two smaller streams, Jordan Creek and Fassnight Creek, join together. This happens in the southwest part of Springfield.
Wilsons Creek is famous because it was the location of a big battle during the American Civil War. This battle was called the Battle of Wilson's Creek. The creek flows south through the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, which is a park that remembers the battle. Later, Wilsons Creek flows into the James River. This happens in western Christian County. The creek is named after James Wilson, an early settler in the area.
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History of Wilsons Creek
Wilsons Creek played an important role in the American Civil War. A major battle, known as the Battle of Wilson's Creek, happened here. This battle took place on August 10, 1861.
The Battle of Wilson's Creek
The battle involved two main groups of soldiers. The Union Army had about 5,400 soldiers. The Confederate Army had about 11,000 soldiers. The Union Army fought to keep the United States together. The Confederate Army fought for the Southern states that had left the Union.
During the battle, many soldiers were hurt or killed. The Union Army had about 1,235 casualties. This means about 22.87% of their soldiers were lost. The Confederate Army had about 1,095 casualties. This was about 9.95% of their soldiers.
The Confederate Army won the battle. This gave them control of southwestern Missouri for a time. However, the Union soldiers were able to get away. The Confederate Army was too tired and low on supplies to chase them.
Where Wilsons Creek Is Located
Wilsons Creek is found in southwestern Missouri. It flows through two counties. These are Greene County, Missouri and Christian County, Missouri.
Where the Creek Starts
Wilsons Creek begins in Springfield, Missouri. This is in Greene County, Missouri. It starts when Fassnight Creek and Jordan Creek meet. This meeting point is called a confluence.
Where the Creek Ends
Wilsons Creek flows south until it joins the James River. This meeting point is in Christian County, Missouri. The place where a river or stream flows into another is called its mouth.
