Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Observes the 160th Anniversary of the Battle

By Professor Earnest Veritas · Originally published December 2021 · pp. 38–39

The 160th anniversary of the significant battle of Wilson’s Creek was solemnly observed in front of the newly renovated Visitor Center at the NPS battlefield in Southwest Missouri on the morning of August 10, 2021. Wilson’s Creek was the second major battle of the war and the first west of the Mississippi river in the Trans-Mississippi Theater of operations. The battle, also known as Oak Hills, came about when General Nathaniel Lyons seized the Federal arsenal and drove the Missouri State Guard out of St. Louis. He pressed the Guard, now under command of Sterling Price, into southwest Missouri near Springfield. Price was reinforced by Benjamin McCulloch with troops from Arkansas and their combined force was 11,000 men. They camped along the banks of Wilson’s Creek, planning to attack Lyon’s force at daylight August 10, 1861. Lyon, with a force of 5,400 was planning to attack THEM at the same time. Lyon split his force into two wings, one under him, while Franz Sigel led the other. At daylight they attacked the front and rear of McCulloch, now in command, simultaneously. At first successful, Sigel was eventually turned away. The Confederates regrouped and mounted three hard counterattacks but could not carry the day. Samuel D. Sturgis replaced Lyon as commander when Lyon earned the dubious distinction of being the first Federal general killed in the war. On taking command, Sturgis, who felt he was running low on ammunition, did not press the Confederates, and ordered a retreat to Springfield instead. The Confederate forces were in some disarray and did not pursue. A crowd of approximately 60 gathered in front of a canopy to hear Dr. William G. Piston deliver his talk, “A Confluence of History,” recognizing the 160th anniversary of the battle and the 200th anniversary of Missouri statehood. Dr. Piston co-authored Wilsons Creek: The Second Battle of the Civil War (and the men who

fought it) with Richard Hatcher III. Also attending the ceremony were U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and U.S. Congressman Billy Long. The battlefield is in Republic, Mo., just a few miles away from Springfield. After Dr. Piston gave his address, Taps was played and then a cannon fired from a hill above the Visitor Center. Representatives from both the Sons of Union Veterans and The Sons of Confederate Veterans were in attendance and jointly presented a wreath for the ceremony. Several other reenactors were in attendance, presenting flags and performing other duties for the ceremony. The event was of great significance for remembering the battle. The re-opening of the newly renovated Visitor Center with its greatly enhanced amenities was also significant as that added approximately 1,800 square feet of new museum space. The effort took 18 months to complete and cost $3.5 million dollars. A Smithsonian-quality museum was desired, but it had to be done in the existing space without expansion. The result is outstanding. Some exhibits in the museum include an impressive collection of edged weapons; a rare model 1860 Henry repeating rifle recently donated to the museum by the very active Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation; the ‘Lyon bed’ General Nathaniel Lyon’s body lay on in the 1852 Ray House, after the Federal forces retreated from the field; and a presentation sword to be given to General Lyon who was killed in the battle before it could be given to him. There are several interactive and virtual exhibits for visitors to enjoy. More artifacts are going to be exhibited now that the space is rearranged. Another important feature of the ceremony was reopening the John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library. With more than 15,000 volumes about the Civil War and an extensive primary documentation access, it is a researcher’s dream. The emphasis is on the TransMississippi Theater of operations. The library also has digital access to regimental histories and genealogical information. The park has a bit more than

2,000 acres. Some were purchased by American Battlefield Trust and donated to the park. More than 200,000 visitors come to the park annually. A five-mile selfguided auto tour visits eight stops highlighting important facets of the battle. There are seven miles of horseback trails laid out in the park as well. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation President, Garin Ferguson said, “Despite covid restrictions, we had a wonderful day to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Since its incorporation in 1950, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation has worked, first for the establishment of a national park and then, in later years, for improvements such as the tour road, Visitor Center, restoration of historic buildings, and land preservation. Now our goals include programs to enhance the visitor experience at Wilson’s Creek and efforts to protect what many have called the most pristine battlefield in the National Park Service from unplanned development.” Park Superintendent Sarah Cunningham said, “It was my honor to bring this project to a successful conclusion and welcome visitors, from near and far, to once again learn more about this significant historical event and experience the new exhibits. We could not have accomplished this substantial improvement to the visitor experience and protection of the collection without the strong partnership of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, the work of many dedicated employees and volunteers, and the support of the National Park System.” For more information about Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, contact: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield 6424 West Farm Road 182 Republic, MO 65738 417-732-2662 E-mail: [email protected] Website: wilsonscreek.com

1860 Henry rifle. The Foundation was presented with the opportunity to purchase a very rare .44 caliber Model 1860 Henry rifle that was recently added to the park’s permanent collection. The rifle was owned by Major George W. Fulton of the 21st Missouri Infantry, a Union regiment that saw extensive service during the war and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Tupelo, and other actions. Fulton, a resident of Edin, Missouri, served with the regiment from July 1861 until his resignation in December 1864. He died in Edwards County, Kansas, in 1890. The Henry, first produced in 1860, was the most technologically advanced small arm of the Civil War period. A lever-action repeating rifle, the Henry utilized a 15-round magazine containing self-contained metallic cartridges, allowing a soldier to fire anywhere from 15-30 shots per minute at a time when a soldier carrying a single-shot muzzleloading rifle-musket could fire only 2-3 shots per minute.

Professor Veritas would like to express his appreciation to: Garin Ferguson, President of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation April McDonough, Executive Director of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation Sarah Cunningham, Superintendent of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Simply put, always endeavor to tell the simple truth; simply. Professor E. Veritas