What's in the Park

With the 8,000 volumes that make up the John K. and Ruth L. Hulston Library, the research library at the Wilson’s Creek Visitor Center has grown to be among the largest in the National Park System. Containing government records, books, diaries, maps, and journals, it is a wealth of historical information for research scholars, genealogists, and all the generations to come who will want to know more about this defining event and how it shaped U.S. history and particularly the war in the west. The collection is now housed in a new state-of-the-art library annex and education center adjacent to the Visitor Center. Each year more than 8,000 school children visit this historic site to learn about their heritage as Americans.

Another important addition to the battlefield is the Civil War Museum, formerly General Sweeny’s Museum, which was purchased by the National Park Service in 2005. This outstanding collection of Civil War artifacts provides visitors with a clearer understanding of the events that took place west of the Mississippi, as well as details of the lives of people involved.

Other interesting attractions at Wilson’s Creek include the historic Ray House, where John Ray’s family lived during the battle; the restored Edwards Cabin, site of General Sterling Price’s headquarters; a fiber optic map presentation that recreates the battle; the new interpretive film, A Mean Fowt Fight; several artifact exhibits in the Visitor Center; and a gift shop with Civil War books and souvenirs.