Ceremony held for 164th anniversary of historic Battle of Wilson's Creek

REPUBLIC, Mo. — A ceremony was held at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield on August 10 to commemorate the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson's Creek, a significant Civil War conflict in Missouri.

The event took place on the lawn of the National Battlefield Visitor Center from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., featuring speakers who highlighted the importance of the battle, and the lives lost during the conflict.

The Battle of Wilson's Creek, fought on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River. Over 17,000 soldiers clashed, resulting in more than 2,500 casualties.

Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison spoke at the event, stating that sites like Wilson's Creek "remind us of the cost of the vision and courage of those who stood in harm's way, and the value of coming together as a nation."

He adds that the battlefield serves not only as a historic landmark but also as an economic benefit to the region. According to Burlison, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, supporting local tourism and small businesses.

Director of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation, Melissa Adler, emphasized the dedication to preserving the park for future generations, stating that it provides people with both a quiet nature space, as well as a place to learn about the past.

"Support the foundation," said Adler. "Help protect the land, the stories and the experience that make Wilson's Creek a sanctuary of history and hope."

Heath Dollar, a visitor at the battlefield, expressed his appreciation for the ceremony, noting, "It wasn't just about the battle. It was also about the formation of the park, which is in itself part of history."

The ceremony at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield underscores the importance of preserving historical sites and keeping history alive for future generations.

The American Battlefield Trust and its members have saved more than 60,000 acres nationwide. If you wish to donate, you can do so on the American Battlefield Trust website.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by OzarksFirst.com. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by OzarksFirst.com staff before being published.