It was time to get the raccoon trimmed parka out today (yes it's real so screw PETA) and enjoy hiking in one of the national battlefields of the Civil War, Wilson's Creek. Wilson's Creek is located a few miles from west of Springfield, Missouri, just outside of Republic, Missouri. It offers a look inside the second major battle of the Civil War, a battle Southern forces won sending the Northern troops retreating out of Springfield for good.
To give you a historical perspective of Wilson's Creek, I have always been told it was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with 1317 Union soldiers dead and 1230. It was the first Civil War battle west of the Mississippi, August 10, 1861. Wikipedia offers a good description of the battle:
The Battle of Wilson's Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills, was fought on August 10, 1861, near Springfield, Missouri, between Union forces and the Missouri State Guard, early in the American Civil War. It was the first major battle of the war west of the Mississippi River and is sometimes called the "Bull Run of the West."
Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon's Army of the West was camped at Springfield, Missouri, with Confederate troops under the commands of Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch approaching. On August 9, both sides formulated plans to attack the other. About 5:00 a.m. on August 10, Lyon, in two columns commanded by himself and Col. Franz Sigel, attacked the Confederates on Wilson's Creek about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Springfield. Rebel cavalry received the first blow and fell back away from Bloody Hill. Confederate forces soon rushed up and stabilized their positions.[1]
The Confederates attacked the Union forces three times that day but failed to break through the Union line. When General Lyon was killed during the battle and General Sweeny wounded, Major Samuel D. Sturgis assumed command. Meanwhile, the Confederates had routed Sigel's column, south of Skegg's Branch. Following the third Confederate attack, which ended at 11:00 a.m., the Confederates withdrew. Sturgis realized, however, that his men were exhausted and his ammunition was low, so he ordered a retreat to Springfield. The Confederates were too disorganized and ill-equipped to pursue. This Confederate victory buoyed southern sympathizers in Missouri and served as a springboard for a bold thrust north that carried Price and his Missouri State Guard as far as Lexington. In late October, a rump convention, convened by Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson, met in Neosho and passed out an ordinance of secession. Wilson's Creek, the most significant 1861 battle in Missouri, gave the Confederates control of southwestern Missouri.[1]
The National Park Service opened the park right around the centennial anniversary of the battle. There is plenty of hiking throughout the park. Those who choose just to drive through the park on the single-lane road are missing of the experience.
Today, I hiked the Blood Hill trail. It's basically a trip South to the middle of the park and then West through the actual battle site known as Bloody Hill, which is a long climb and the most challenging part of the hike. Today's hike was about 4.5 miles and basically followed Wilson's Creek south until you get to the actual battlefield, which is noted by the Pulaski Arkansas Battery. A lone Confederate cannon sits on top of the hill, which another trail provides access to.
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| A cannon located where the Pulaski Arkansas Battery was positioned against Union troops. |
Many of the original houses in the area still stand including the Ray House, which I did not hike to today, and this cabin seen from Bloody Hill, the site of the main battle. The cabin belonged to the Edward's family, but it was used by Confederate army Major General Sterling Price during the battle. You can see it right before the tree line in the picture.
A stone memorial along the hiking trail marks where Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was shot dead by a musket by Confederate forces.
The hike out of Bloody Hill is a long slow climb that ends where Union troops were stationed as the battle began. The South had the tough battle of fighting from the bottom of the hill, and in the end they were successful as the Union troops retreated. There are four cannons near the top of the hill.
The trails offer easy hiking for most with the exception of a few climbs that may be challenging for some. The trails are well maintained and even, so you don't have to worry as much about twisting your ankle. Throughout the hike, there are plenty of historical markers that provide details of the battle as you walk from the Confederate side to the Union side of the hill. As well, there are plenty of deer to be seen along Wilson's Creek, but they don't appear to like visitors and are easily spooked. If you're quiet along the trail, your bound to come across many. I saw six today in the 4.5 miles I hiked.
