General James G. Blunt of Kansas commanded the First Division of the Federal army in the battle of Prairie Grove. He was made Brigadier General in April 1862 and given command of all Kansas troops. His army was at Cane Hill on December 6, 1862, but reached this field at 2 p.m. on December 7 to relieve General Francis J. Herron's army. General Francis J. Herron of Iowa commanded the 2nd and 3rd divisions of the Federal Army. He was encamped at Wilson's Creek, Mo., when Blunt summoned him to Cane Hill. A forced march of 100 miles in 3 days brought Herron's army to Prairie Grove early on the morning of December 7, 1862, and his army bore the brunt of the battle until relieved by Blunt.