Painting by an unknown artist from the perspective of the rear of the Union lines during the Battle of Kirksville, Missouri, August 6-9, 1862. Sent by Major General Sterling Price to enlist troops in northeast Missouri, Confederate Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Porter and his recruits fought a number of skirmishes with Union forces in that region in June, July, and early August 1862. With Colonel John McNeil’s 1,000-man Union force in pursuit, Porter entered Kirksville on August 6. McNeil’s forces attacked Porter around the courthouse square, and after three hours of fighting, succeeded in driving the Confederates from the town. Porter’s men suffered serious losses and he disbanded his regiment a few days later, while McNeil’s victory helped assure Union control of northeast Missouri.

Painting by Unknown Artist

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30824