Battle of Dry Wood Creek

Part of the American Civil War

Date	September 2, 1861 (1861-09-02)
Location	Vernon County, Missouri
Result	Missouri State Guard victory

Belligerents

United States (Union)

Missouri State Guard

Commanders and leaders

James H. Lane

Sterling "Pap" Price

Units involved

Kansas Brigade

Missouri State Guard

Strength

600

Unknown

Casualties and losses

11 total
5 killed
6 wounded

20 total
4 killed
16 wounded

The Battle of Dry Wood Creek (also known as the Battle of Big Dry Wood Creek or the Battle of the Mules) was fought on September 2, 1861 in Vernon County, Missouri during the American Civil War. The Missouri State Guard troops were successful in their campaign to force the Union Army to abandon southwestern Missouri and to concentrate on holding the Missouri Valley.

Following his victory at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Major General Sterling "Pap" Price and his Missouri State Guard occupied Springfield, Missouri. Price then headed northwest with 6,000 poorly trained and under-equipped guardsmen to capture Fort Scott, Kansas. Kansas "Jayhawker" and senator Colonel James H. Lane led a 600-man battalion of Union cavalry from Fort Scott to learn the whereabouts of the rumored Missouri State Guard force.

Lane's battalion soon encountered Price's men at Hogan's Crossing on Big Dry Wood Creek, roughly 12 miles from the fort. Lane surprised the Confederates, but the Southerners' numerical superiority soon determined the encounter’s outcome. After a sharp skirmish lasting two hours, they forced the Union cavalry to retire to Fort Scott and captured their mules. Lane secured the fort, then proceeded towards Kansas City. The Missouri State Guard continued on towards Lexington, while Price recruited more guardsmen.

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Wikipedia