Category Archives: Nathaniel Lyon

August 10, 1861: Nathaniel Lyon killed at Wilson’s Creek

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Allen Gathman

View Larger Map Nathaniel Lyon and Franz Sigel had assembled their troops in Springfield, MO, and Confederate forces under McCulloch and Price were advancing on the town. On the 9th of August, 1861, the Confederates were camped southwest of Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Benjamin McCulloch, Franz Sigel, J.M. Schofield, Nathaniel Lyon, Sterling Price | Leave a comment

August 9, 1861: News from Missouri

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Gideon Pillow The New York Times’ Missouri correspondent summarizes the situation in Missouri, bringing together many threads that we’ve seen recently. Missouri was crucial to the western Confederacy, as well as to the Union. The Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers … Continue reading →

Posted in Benjamin Prentiss, Franz Sigel, Gideon Pillow, John C. Fremont, Missouri, Nathaniel Lyon, Ulysses S. Grant | Leave a comment

July 3, 1861: Lyon promoted to Major General

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Allen Gathman

From the New York Times: GEN. LYON MADE A MAJOR-GENERAL. ST. LOUIS, Wednesday, July 3. The Democrat announces the promotion of Brig.-Gen. LYON to a Major-Generalship. His command embraces Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Three companies of the Seventh Regiment … Continue reading →

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July 2, 1861: Troop movements in Missouri

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Nathaniel Lyon, faced with turmoil throughout Missouri, elected to follow retreating Confederate forces toward Springfield, in the southwestern part of the state. He hoped for McClellan to see to the security of the southeast. From the OR Ser. 1, Vol. … Continue reading →

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June 30, 1861: Missouri is saved

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Nathaniel Lyon We heard yesterday that Missouri had been crushed; apparently it depends on your point of view. Everyone seems to agree, though, that Missouri is firmly in the grip of the Union. From the New York Times: Missouri may … Continue reading →

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June 24, 1861: Lyon wants more troops to hold Cape Girardeau

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Nathaniel Lyon Nathaniel Lyon was trying to prioritize the occupation of strategic points in the west. His center of power was St. Louis, a crucial port at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Benjamin Prentiss’ Illinois troops held … Continue reading →

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June 20, 1861: Lyon needs troops.

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Nathaniel Lyon Nathaniel Lyon’s successes in Missouri gained him increased territory to defend — and engendered a need for more troops to do so. From the OR Ser 1 Vol 3 Part 1 p. 385: JEFFERSON CITY, June 21, 1861. … Continue reading →

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June 17, 1861: The battle of Boonville

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Battle of Boonville (cartoon has the date wrong) After taking Jefferson City without a fight, Nathaniel Lyon and his troops, mostly St. Louis Germans, pursued Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson and his followers northwest up the Missouri River to their camp … Continue reading →

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June 14, 1861: Governor Jackson flees Jefferson City

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Claiborne Fox Jackson The Governor of Missouri, having declared his intent to repel the Federal troops, evacuated his adherents from the state capital at Jefferson City, while Nathaniel Lyon pursued with Home Guard troops, and Federal troops from neighboring states … Continue reading →

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June 12, 1861: Claiborne Fox Jackson’s proclamation

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Claiborne Fox Jackson After the disastrous meeting with Nathaniel Lyon, Governor Jackson issued a proclamation in essence declaring war on the United States, though stopping short of secession. It is noteworthy that Jackson presents his position from the failed negotiations; … Continue reading →

Posted in Claiborne Fox Jackson, Missouri, Nathaniel Lyon | 1 Comment