The Second Major Battle of the Civil War
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and the scene of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in combat. The bloody Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focused greater national attention on the war in Missouri. The nearly pristine landscape allows visitors to experience one of the best-preserved battlefields in the nation.
Features
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Museum Collections
The collection represents the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West, and includes uniforms, weapons, flags, personal items, letters and photographs.
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Trading Cards for Kids
Discover more than 500 stories about America's journey from the Civil War to Civil Rights. View online or visit this park to collect your own copies.
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Virtual Tour
Our virtual tour allows you to preview what the battlefield has to offer and will make your visit a more meaningful experience.
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Wilson's Creek in Depth
Learn more about the Wilson's Creek campaign, the battle, and those who fought here.
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Special Events
Living history programs, talks, special tours and exhibits are scheduled throughout the year at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
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The Hulston Library
The Hulston Library, founded in 1985, contains 6,500 volumes, plus microfilm, periodicals and files concentrating on the Civil War period.
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Did You Know?
The traditional site of General Lyon's death was marked by a pile of stones soon after the battle, and quickly became a tourist attraction and historic site.