August 10, 1861---The Battle of Wilson's Creek

AUGUST 10, 1861:  

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek. 

Sometimes called the “Bull Run of the West” the battle develops when Federal troops attempt to dislodge a force of Confederate and pro-Confederate Missouri Volunteers from the southwest of the State. Although the Confederates are first driven back, they rally, charging the Union lines three times and inflicting heavy casualties. Most of the Union commanders are either wounded or killed, including Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon U.S.A., who has spent the months since Fort Sumter successfully containing the Confederates in Missouri. 

With the loss of Lyon, the Federals break off the attack. Though they can take no additional territory, pro-secession forces maintain control of southwestern Missouri. 

1,317 Union and 1,230 Confederate/Missourian/Arkansan men are killed, wounded or missing.