Cannon Carriages

Whether it is known as the Battle of Wilson’s Creek or the Battle of Oak Hills, the conflict that took place on August 10, 1861, in southwest Missouri is regarded as one of the most significant Civil War battles west of the Mississippi. Although the leaders of Federal and Confederate troops and their strategies played a vital role, the placement of artillery also had an important effect on the outcome of the day.

When present day park visitors travel the 5-mile driving tour and explore the 2000 acres park, visual interpretation of the battle is important to their understanding of the magnitude and intensity of the battle. To understand each engagement during the battle, they need to know where the troop companies were stationed. Without the advantage of trenches and earthworks to mark the battle lines, the best way for visitors to visualize the battle is through the placement of cannon carriages to mark each battle line.

Several six-gun batteries were used at various locations during the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. When ready for firing, a battery stretched across 102 yards—the length of a football field. Behind each gun was a limber pulled by six horses. Behind each limber was a caisson that carried spare ammunition, also pulled by a team of six horses.

Although a total of thirty three cannon, ranging from 6- and 8-pound smooth bore to 12-pound Napoleons, was used at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, at present the battlefield has only eleven to help interpret the battle. More cannon are needed at strategic points on the battlefield to bring the battle to life for park visitors. The placement of additional reproduction guns, limbers, caissons, and ammunition chests will provide a clearer perspective on the fighting. Cannons will serve as powerful visual reminders of charges and countercharges, surprise attacks, troop engagements, and above all, the magnitude of battle.

For information about how you can help purchase cannons and carriages for the battlefield, please contact the Foundation.