Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
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Wilson's Creek National Battlefield |
Contact Information:
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
6424 West Farm Road 182
Republic, MO 65738
417-32-2662
http://www.nps.gov/wicr/
Size: 1,750 acres
Location: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located 3 miles east of Republic and 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri. Accessible via US 60 and MO ZZ.
Description: The battle here on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi. The Confederate failure here resulted in keeping Missouri in the Union. Major features include a 5-mile automobile tour loop, the restored 1852 Ray House, and "Bloody Hill," the scene of the major battle.
Activities: Begin your trip at the park visitor center to obtain information about self-guided tours and special events. The Sweeny Museum, located just north of the visitor center, features an outstanding collection of original Civil War artifacts relating to the war west of the Mississippi River. A 5-mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour with eight interpretive stops and access to five walking trails. A seven-mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is accessible from the tour road. The Ray House, a temporary field hospital for Confederate soldiers, is open on weekends (subject to staff and volunteer availability), Memorial Day through Labor Day. Living history programs depicting Civil War soldier life, cavalry drills, musket firing, artillery demonstrations, and Civil War medicine are also held at the park.Operating Hours: Park and visitor center are open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday from November through February.
History: Authorized on April 22, 1960, as a national battlefield park; redesignated on December 16, 1970.
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