The fighting 109war. In the weeks that followed, Union forces
managed to push Jackson's militia toward
the southwestern part of Missouri, capturing
in the process the state capital at Jefferson
City on 15 June. Lyon and Colonel Franz
Sigel, a prominent German-American leader,
pursued with about 5,500 men and occupied
the town of Springfield. But Lyon's soldiers
were at the end of a weak supply line with
no promise of reinforcements. Soon the
8,000 secessionist militia led by Major-
General Sterling Price were joined by
5,000 Confederate troops under
Major-General Benjamin McCulloch. Lyon
nevertheless refused to retreat and, learning
Once the secessionists left St Louis, they headed west
along the Missouri River until the Union forces caught up
with them and forced them into the southern part of
the state near Springfield. On 10 August 1861. Union
forces under Nathaniel Lyon fought the Confederates
under Sterling Price and Benjamin McCulloch.that the Rebels would soon launch an
offensive, decided to attack first.
On 10 August the Union forces struck the
Southerners at Wilson's Creek or Oak Hills,
10 miles (16km) south of Springfield. Lyon's
attack was risky, but came close to success.
The Rebel troops were poorly trained and
equipped, and Lyon managed to achieve
surprise with a daring two-pronged attack.Missouri, 1861 and Wilson's Creek