The Battle of Carthage
July 5, 1861
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 there organize and train to resist Federal dominance of the state. On July 5 the Guard found its way south 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 and thus began the first major land battle of the War between the States. In a series of running engagements extending over a period of twelve hours, the Guard steadily attacked and pushed Sigel's force toward and finally through Carthage, causing the Federals to retreat to Sarcoxie. The victory of the Missouri State Guard at Carthage not only cleared the way south, it also enhanced the Guard's morale and set the stage for still other battles in the fight for Missouri.
Marker is on South Grant Street, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
