Campaign for Wilson's Creek: The Fight for Missouri Begins

In early 1861, most Missourians hoped they could remain neutral in the upcoming conflict between North and South. In fact, a popularly elected state convention voted in March of that year that “no adequate cause” existed to compel Missouri to leave the Union. Instead, Missourians saw themselves as ideologically centered between the radical notions of abolition and secession.

By summer 1861, however, the situation had deteriorated dramatically. Because of the actions of politicians and soldi...