On Bloody Hill the initiative passed from Lyon(US) to Price (CSA). About 9 AM the Missouri State Guard cautiously advanced. With each man having only a handful of ammunition, and short range weapons, they closed to almost point blank range before firing.
Although outnumbered, the Union held their own on both flanks due to their supporting artillery, but their center nearly gave way. Lyon had already been slightly wounded in the head and right leg, and his horse was killed. Remounting, he repositioned the 1st Iowa and 2nd Kansas Infantry to meet the threat to the center.
Lyon was killed while leading them into place, but his maneuvers were successful and the Southerners retreated. Price nearly suffered the same fate as Lyon. He was painfully wounded in the side as he, too, led from the front.
Ten years after the battle, a group of veterans returned to the battlefield to mark the spot where General Lyon fell. (Archive photo)
Today's Marker
At or near this spot fell Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. Born Ashford, Conn, 1818. Graduated U.S. Military Academy, 1841. Commander of the Federal Forces in the Battle of Wilson Creek August 10, 1861.
This marker is erected by the University Club of Springfield, MO. In honor of General Lyon and the hundreds of brave men, north and south, who, on this field, died for the right as God gave them to see the right. 1928
At or near this spot fell Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. Born Ashford, Conn, 1818. Graduated U.S. Military Academy, 1841. Commander of the Federal Forces in the Battle of Wilson Creek August 10, 1861.
This marker is erected by the University Club of Springfield, MO. In honor of General Lyon and the hundreds of brave men, north and south, who, on this field, died for the right as God gave them to see the right. 1928
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| General Lyon |
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