Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield has recently been able to acquire 6.2 acres of historic land
on the west side of the park from a willing seller. This land preservation effort was completed
through partnerships with the American Battlefield Trust, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Foundation, and the National Park Service. The authority for the addition of this property is the
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Boundary Expansion Bill that was approved by Congress in
June 2003.
This historically significant parcel of land was where Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch
ordered Colonel Greer to deploy his men to turn the Union right flank on Bloody Hill. Greer’s
battalion, consisting of about 400 men of the South Kansas Texas Cavalry Regiment, moved
along the north side of Skegg’s Branch. In addition, surgeons of Mayor General Price’s Missouri
State Guard established a field hospital at Skegg’s Spring, which is visible from the property.
According to authors Dr. Thomas Sweeney and Kip Lindberg, the site offered large trees with
shade along with the fine natural spring.
The purpose of this land acquisition is to preserve history as it relates to the Battle of Wilson’s
Creek for future generations of visitors who come to the battlefield to learn about the Civil War
and the events that took place on August 10, 1861.
Mike Ussery, President of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, stated, “Our
Foundation is pleased to be able to assist with important land preservation efforts like this one.
One of our goals is to protect the viewshed and the pristine nature of the more than 2,000 acres
that make up this park.”
According to Superintendent Hillmer, “This particular section of land will help park staff to
educate more than 200,000 visitors each year, providing a better understanding of the Battle of
Wilson’s Creek. The park is very grateful for partnerships and willing sellers who assist the
National Park Service and Wilson’s Creek NB with purchases of important historic property like
this.”
