A sketch of the Battle of Wilson's Creek produced during the 19th century with colored pencil.

Little Known Leader at Wilson's Creek: First Sergeants Griffin and McCoughlin

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Special Event
  • Jun 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
  • Free
While many students of Wilson's Creek are familiar with names like Lyon, Sigel, McCullough, Sturgis, and Price, many know little of William Griffin or George Hogg McCoughlin. These Irish immigrants of the 1850s served in the Second US Infantry (Regulars).

Because the officers in their companies were on detached service, commanding larger units during the battle, these two first sergeants took command of their companies and displayed gallantry on Bloody Hill.

As a result of their performances these men were promoted from First Sergeant to Second Lieutenant. Both went on to fight in other battles during the Civil War and gained the social status of officers.

Join Larry Toll of the Holmes Brigade to learn more about the world of immigrant soldiers like these men.

Fees

No charge for this event.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 37.095741, -93.408882

Schedule

Date:

Jun 28, 2025

Time:

12:00 PM

Duration:

30 minutes

Program begins at the top of the hour with brief small arms demonstration to follow.

Contact Information

Clayton Hanson
417-732-2662
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Talk
Tags: civil war, leadership, living history, military history