Mississippi Day 7: Wilson’s Creek

Day 7 brought another early start for our family. We left Tupelo at 4:30 AM. Mark and I had to chuckle because we entered Mississippi in the dark and we were leaving in the dark. We drove through a whole lot of states this day. We left Mississippi and drove Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and eventually into Kansas.

Our pit stop for the day was at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic, Missouri in southwestern Missouri.

Wilson’s Creek

This was another Civil War battle that we had never heard of before this trip (we learned SO much about the Civil War this week!). This battle occurred on August 10, 1861 and opened the Civil War in Missouri. Missouri during the Civil War saw a lot of fierce fighting, mostly guerilla warfare. Raiders on horseback would destroy anything whether it was military or civilian that could potentially help their enemy.

Both sides felt like Missouri was critical to success because of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Most Missourians wanted to stay neutral but there were some (including the Missouri governor) who had Southern sympathies and planned to cooperate with the Confederacy. President Lincoln sent troops to Missouri to keep it under Union control. But southern support continued for many in the state.

This battle was a bloody affair. It resulted in the death of thousands of men with the Confederates claiming victory. Despite their victory, the Confederates could not pursue the Union. While the Union lost, it did achieve its goal of keeping Missouri under Union control.

The kids worked hard and became Junior Rangers yet again at this site.

This park had another auto tour – similar to the one at Vicksburg but on a much smaller scale. This was a great stop to stretch our legs, learn a little something, and have lunch.

Wichita

We eventually made our way back on the road headed for Wichita, Kansas which was our stop for the night. We were excited to get settled and have a good night sleep – our last night of vacation!

Mississippi Family Vacation 2024 Itinerary:

• Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
• Cane River Creole National Historical Park
• Ship Island
• Fort Massachusetts
• Natchez National Historical Park
• Emerald Mound
• Vicksburg National Military Park
• Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
• Rowan Oak Estate
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
• Tupelo National Battlefield Site
• Elvis Presley’s Birthplace
• Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield