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Battle of Wilson’s Creek
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Battle of Wilson's Creek
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Battle of Wilson's Creek
Battle of Wilson's Creek Battle of Wilson's Creek, print by Kurz and Allison, c. 1893.

Battle of Wilson’s Creek

American Civil War
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Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
August 10, 1861
Location:
Springfield
United States
Participants:
Confederate States of America
United States
Context:
American Civil War
Key People:
Sterling Price
See all related content

Battle of Wilson’s Creek, (Aug. 10, 1861), in the American Civil War, successful Southern engagement fought between 5,400 Union troops under General Nathaniel Lyon and a combined force of more than 10,000 Confederate troops and Missouri Militia commanded by General Benjamin McCulloch and General Sterling Price, 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Springfield, Mo. Union General Franz Sigel attacked the rear of the Confederate forces with 1,200 men while Lyon led a frontal attack with the main Union force. Sigel was repulsed, and after several hours of fighting Lyon was killed. With casualties heavy on both sides, the Union forces retreated toward Springfield.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.