On May 12, 1863, after Grant and two divisions of the XV Corps marched past, three divisions of the XIII Corps turned here onto the Telegraph Road. Four miles north, they met a portion of the 1st Missouri (Dismounted) Cavalry at Whitaker's Ford. After the Confederates fell back, the Federals secured the ford. Meanwhile, McClernand's reserve division captured Montgomery Bridge, two and a half miles west of Whitaker's Ford, securing Grant's left flank four and a half miles from the railroad.