Fought Sept. 29 and 30, 1864, this action followed the night of Sept. 27, when 1000 Union troops under Gen. Ewing, forced to evacuate Ft. Davidson at Pilot Knob or be annihilated, escaped through enemy lines. Gen. Price sent Gen. Marmaduke and Gen. Shelby in pursuit. The Union forces covered 66 miles in 39 hours, fought 6 rear-guard skirmishes, and arrived here exhausted and hungry. They fortified themselves along the railroad and burned barns and haystacks to prevent a night attack. The next day they rejected a demand to surrender. The Confederates, deciding against further battle, turned away and rejoined Price at Union, Mo. On Oct. 1, the Federals withdrew and regrouped at Rolla.

Photo: Duane Hall

Leasburg, Missouri · USA