The Battle of Wilson's Creek was the first major battle west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War (1861-65). On August 10, 1861, Union Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon attacked Confederate forces comanded by General Sterling Price and General Benjamin McCulloch. The battle raged on for more than five hours, resulting in approximately 1,300 casualties, including Nathaniel Lyon. Following Lyon's death, his successor, Major Samuel Sturgis ordered a Union retreat.
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Did You Know?
As the first major Civil War battle fought in the Western Theater, the Battle of Wilson's Creek is often referred to as the "Bull Run of the West."
(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.
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