Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri

Background. Missouri was a politically divided border state at the start of the Civil War. Union Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon commanded troops in the Department of the West, opposing secessionist plans of Governor Claiborne Jackson. Sterling Price led the Missouri State Guard, appointed in May 1861, to expel Lyon's forces. The conflict culminated in a battle near Springfield, involving Confederate troops under Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch.

Commanders. Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, promoted in May 1861, commanded Union troops in Missouri. He was the first Union general killed in the war. Sterling Price, a former Missouri governor, led the Missouri State Guard as a militia general. Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch led Confederate troops supporting Price. Price and McCulloch later became bitter rivals, leading to the appointment of Major-General Earl Van Dorn as overall commander.

Outcome. The battle resulted in a sound defeat for Lyon's troops, marking a Confederate victory. Lyon died in battle, becoming the first Union general to be killed in the American Civil War. Following the battle, Price's troops launched an offensive into northern Missouri. The engagement is recognized as the first major battle of the Trans-Mississippi Theater, fought near Springfield, Missouri.