March 7, 1862 - Sunset

As the sun set on the first day of battle, about 3,000 rebels from Missouri made their final charge here. Crossing Ben Ruddick's stubbled cornfield, they ran straight toward the muzzles of Federal cannon set wheel hub to wheel hub against a line of trees. After hours of fighting withdrawals, this last Union line held firm. Rebuffed Confederates ebbed back to Elkhorn Tavern. In the dusk, men of both armies feared they were standing on the brink of collapse.

...it was almost dark and we got so near the [Federal] battery that the fire from the guns would pass in jetting streams, through our lines.

Asa Payne, private, 3rd Missouri Regiment

Outnumbered, hard-pressed Union cannoneers and infantrymen regrouped and reloaded here at the edge of Ruddick's field.

Marker is on Military Park Road (County Road 65), on the left when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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