BATTLE OF FREDERICKTOWN

The 'Battle of Fredericktown' was an engagement of the American Civil War. It took place on October 21, 1861, in Madison County, Missouri. Union victory consolidated their control of southeastern Missouri.

Contents

Background

The battle

Casualties

References

External links

Background

In October 1861, Missouri State Guard Brig. Gen. M. Jeff Thompson led a strong force into southeastern Missouri. On October 15, he burned the Iron Mountain Railroad bridge over the Big River in Jefferson County. Two Union columns, one under Col. J.B. Plummer with 1,500 men and another under Col. William P. Carlin with 3,000 men, were sent in pursuit. By October 20, Thompson had learned of the Union pursuit and withdrew south of Fredericktown. That evening, however, he decided to attack the Federal advance with his infantrymen.

The battle

Thompson spent the early morning hours trying to determine the enemy's numbers and disposition. Unable to do so, he placed his artillery in ambush along the road and awaited the Union troops. About noon Plummer, with his column and a detachment of Col. William P. Carlin’s troops, arrived. A four-hour battle ensued, during which the 17th Iowa Regiment charged Thompson's artillery, capturing one cannon. Superior Union numbers eventually prevailed, and Thompson chose to retreat.

Casualties

Thompson's Missouri State Guardsmen suffered a total of 62 casualties, including 20 dead and 30 captured. Union casualties were reported as 7 killed and about 60 wounded.

References

★ CWSAC Battle Summary

External links

★ Description of battle