Located near the city of Republic, Missouri, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. You can visit it in Republic, MO 65738. The battle was fought on August 10, 1861, and was the second largest battle of the war. The National Park’s mission is to provide visitors with a history of the area. Founded in 1939, the park features a wealth of educational exhibits about the history of the region.
The battle was one of the most famous Civil War battles in the west, and was considered the Bull Run of the West. The battle took place on high ground that was later named Bloody Hill. The Union Army, under the leadership of Nathaniel Lyon, shifted to this location in early August 1861. The Union troops faced artillery fire from the Pulaski Arkansas Battery, and they faced a series of Southern attacks that would ultimately result in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
The 4.9-mile trail that winds through the park is a great way to explore the park. You can take a self-guided tour of the Battlefield Park to see more of the site. There are interpretive stops along the way. There are also off-road trails that allow you to hike around the battlefield. Be sure to stop at the historic Ray House, a former field hospital that served as a hospital.
The museum contains exhibits and artifacts from the Civil War. A visitor can also check out the General Sweeny Museum, which features Civil War artifacts from the west and displays about the war. On the south side of the visitor’s center, the 1850s Ray House is another historic house museum. It was once used as a temporary field hospital for Southern soldiers. The museum is open on weekends during the summer. If it rains, head over to this indoor local hotspot.
The visitor center at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield features a 27-minute film about the battle. There is also a museum with changing exhibits. The 6.2 acres of historic land surrounding the battlefield are a great place to see a little history. The museum is free to visit, and the living history volunteers will be a great asset to the park. While the park is small, the re-enactors and volunteers will help you experience the war at the scene.
Located three miles east of Republic, Missouri, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is the site of the second major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. More than 2,500 Confederate and Union soldiers were killed at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. There is a museum and driving tour. The battle sites are accessible to wheelchair users, but the center is ADA-compliant. Taking the time to learn about the Battlefield is an excellent way to experience the story. We can help if you need it.
