Resources on the Battle of Wilson’s Creek: August 10, 1861

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek: August 10, 1861

Overview

As many of you know, today is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, fought on August 10, 1861.  Nathaniel Lyon’s mostly German Union army was defeated by the combined forces of Sterling Price and Ben McCulloch and Lyon lost his life in the process.  Lyon had divided his inferior force in the face of the enemy and sent Franz Sigel, of all people, on a flank attack, which naturally failed.  After routing Sigel’s men, the Confederates turned on what was left of Lyon’s force.  The ensuing fighting was desperate, and when the Union army retreated the Confederates were so disorganized they were unable to follow.  Wilson’s Creek was the first major battle west of the Mississippi and ultimately west of Virginia.    In this post I’d like to give readers some resources for learning more about Wilson’s Creek.

Books

• Wilson’s Creek: The Second Battle of the Civil War and the Men Who Fought It by William Garrett Piston
• The Battle of Wilson’s Creek by Edwin Bearss
• Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge, and Prairie Grove: A Battlefield Guide, with a Section on Wire Road by Earl J. Hess, William L. Shea, William G. Piston, and Richard W. Hatcher: See Drew Wagenhoffer’s review of this book.
• Bloody Hill: The Civil War Battle of Wilson’s Creek by William R. Brooksher
• Campaign for Wilson’s Creek: The Fight for Missouri Begins by Jeffrey L. Patrick: Also take a look at Drew Wagenhoffer’s review of the book.

Wargames

• Campaign Ozark by HPS Simulations: E-quaintance Drew Wagenhoffer, an expert on the Trans-Mississippi, was the game designer here.  In addition to Wilson’s Creek, you also get Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove.
• Brother Against Brother: The Drawing of the Sword by Western Civilization: This game, a tactical level Civil War game focusing on the early Civil War battles of First Bull Run, Wilson’s Creek, Williamsburg, and Mill Springs, is expected to come out late in 2011.

Be sure to check out the Wilson’s Creek 150th Anniversary site for more details on the commemoration of the sesquicentennial.