Wilson’s Creek Civil War Research Library and Education Center

The new research library and education center adjacent to the Visitor Center, which houses the Hulston Library, a multi-purpose meeting room, Civil War displays, and administrative offices, was recently completed with funds provided by the Foundation and a matching government grant.

The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library

The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library, housed adjacent to the Visitor Center at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, was dedicated in 1985. The core of the library collection was donated by Springfield attorney John K. Hulston and his wife Ruth. Currently the library contains approximately 5,500 volumes concentrating on the Civil War period and the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. All of the library's volumes are non-circulating, but are available for use by serious scholars.



The library currently holds microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Service Records for those soldiers who fought at Wilson's Creek. It does not contain extensive service records for any other Civil War soldiers. Forms to obtain copies of National Archives and Missouri State Archives records and the addresses of other state archives are available at the Visitor Center. The library has purchased published rosters giving basic information on all Civil War soldiers, and will search for particular names on request.



The library contains many histories of individual Civil War regiments, especially Federal units. In addition, many Northern state adjutant general's reports and other regimental materials are available. Limited information is available on Southern units. Those seeking ancestors via the Internet should also consult the Civil War Soldier's System, a computer database that contains brief service histories of all known Civil War soldiers. To go to the CWSS, click here.



Staff members are able to perform limited research for patrons by regular mail, e-mail, telephone or in person. Extensive research on a particular topic should be done in person.

PLEASE NOTE: HULSTON LIBRARY HOURS ARE CURRENTLY TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 9 A.M.-NOON AND 1-4 P.M. THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY. THE NEW LIBRARY IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE VISITOR CENTER.

To search the library catalog, go to the Springfield-Greene County Library's Coolcat system at http://coolcat.org