In early July, 1861, units of the Missouri State Guard under the command of Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson were en route to extreme southwest Missouri to organize and train to resist Federal dominance of the state. On July 5 their way south was blocked by a Federal force commanded by Colonel Franz Sigel. At about 9:00 A.M. the two armies came together north of Dry Fork Creek, beginning the first major land battle of the War between the States. In a series of running engagements over twelve hours, the Guard steadily attacked and pushed Sigel's force toward and finally through Carthage, causing the Federals to retreat to Sarcoxie. The Missouri State Guard's victory at Carthage not only cleared the way south, but also enhanced the Guard's morale and set the stage for other battles in the fight for Missouri.
