Battle Detail

Boonville

Other Name:
First Battle of Boonville
Campaign:
Operations to Constrol Missouri
Date(s):
June-October 1861
Principal Commanders:
Nathaniel Lyon [US] John Marmaduke [CS]
Forces Engaged:
1700 total (US 1700; CS 0;)
Estimated Casualties:
31 total (US 31; CS 0;)
Description:
Claiborne Jackson, the pro-Southern Governor of Missouri, wanted the state to secede and join the Confederacy. Union Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon set out to put down Jackson's Missouri State Guard, commanded by Sterling Price. Reaching Jefferson City, the state capital, Lyon discovered that Jackson and Price had retreated towards Boonville. Lyon reembarked on steamboats, transported his men to below Boonville, marched to the town, and engaged the enemy. In a short fight, Lyon dispersed the Confederates, commanded on the field by Col. John S. Marmaduke, and occupied Boonville. This early victory established Union control of the Missouri River and helped douse attempts to place Missouri in the Confederacy.
Results:
Union Victory
CWSAC Reference #:
MO001
Preservation Priority: