This area saw fighting in the Battle of Lexington between Missouri Home Guard units and the Missouri State Guard. The Home Guard, composed of pro-Union German immigrants from Lafayette County, were commanded by Maj. F.W. Becker. Sharpshooters kept many Federal troops fearful, and by the 19th heavy artillery fire had torn great limbs from trees and opened huge chasms in the college building, though most Southern cannon shots passed over the Federal works. On the third and final day, Sept. 20, the State Guard advanced across open ground using water-soaked hemp bales as movable breastworks, pushing them forward under fire until they were close enough for a final charge at the earthworks. Col. Martin Green led his northeast Missourians into the Union trenches, where Maj. Becker’s German Home Guards and a company from Col. James Mulligan’s Irish Brigade met them. In the chaos, Becker waved a white handkerchief in an effort to retrieve his wounded, gunfire briefly ceased as word of a white flag spread, and although the battle resumed, a surrender psychology spread among the Union troops. Shortly after noon, Mulligan sent out a flag of truce and asked for terms, and by 2:00 pm the Union soldiers walked out of the fortification and laid down their arms. Gen. Sterling Price released the prisoners on their promise not to take up arms against Missouri or the Confederacy, and after the surrender the victors took seven pieces of artillery, more than 3,000 stands of infantry arms, sabers, ammunition, and other spoils. The State Guard victory at Lexington strengthened the spirit and determination of those favoring Missouri’s secession, but the Union army reclaimed Lexington by Oct. 16, 1861.