Civil War Springfield (MO) (The History Press)

by Larry Wood

During the Civil War, Springfield was a frontier community of about 1,500 people, but it was the largest and most important place in southwest Missouri. The Northern and Southern armies vied throughout the early part of the war to occupy its strategic position. The Federal defeat at Wilson's Creek in August 1861 gave the Southern forces possession, but Zagonyi's charge two and a half months later returned Springfield to the Union. The Confederacy came back near Christmas of 1861 before being ousted again in February 1862. Marmaduke's defeat at the Battle of Springfield in January 1863 ended the contest, placing the Union firmly in control, but Springfield continued to pulse with activity throughout the war. Historian Larry Wood chronicles this epic story.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2011

About the author

I'm a native of southwest Missouri and have lived in the area nearly all my life. I mainly write historical nonfiction about Missouri and the Ozarks region, especially if it has to do with the Civil War or true crime. I have published 25 nonfiction books and over 500 magazine articles. I also occasionally write fiction, having published four historical/western novels and about 30 short stories. I am an honorary lifetime member of the Missouri Writers' Guild and also an active member of the Ozark Writers League. You can follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLarryWood.

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but thorough look at the battles and occupation of Springfield, Missouri during the Civil War. Soon after Fort Sumter, Union forces moved into Springfield with Confederate troops arriving soon after. The constant back and forth between the two sides lead to the battle of Wilson's Creek and two "skirmishes" in Springfield that kept the city in the Ozarks a pivotal area during the war in Missouri. Larry Wood covers all aspects of the area from the time the first troops arrived until they left in 1865. Beyond the military movement, Wood details life in the Ozarks for the 2000 inhabitants, medical concerns after a very bloody battle, and the political pulse of the citizens of southwest Missouri.

This is a great little book full of information and perfect for the person who is looking for details of Springfield during the Civil War.

[W Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent little book focused the experience of a single community’s experience during the Civil War. The author provides a very good account of the battles, occupations and divisions present in southwest Missouri. Very well done.

[warren p koeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good history of Springfield, Missouri

Day by day, step by step account of Springfield changing hands from Union to Confederate as Missouri vaselited between slave or free state.