In September 1864, Gen. Sterling Price marched his army of 8,000 from Arkansas to Missouri intent on capturing Missouri for the Confederacy. In late September, Gen. Price attacked the small Union garrison of Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob. During the fierce battle, Maj. David Murphy leapt to the top of the fort’s walls, urging the Union soldiers to victory. “Get down! You’ll be killed!” shouted Gen. Ewing again. “That’s what I’m here for,” responded Murphy. “There was never a prettier place to die than right here!” His men cheered and redoubled their efforts. The Confederates shot at Murphy dozens of times, but he was never hit and lived for many years to tell the story of Battle of Pilot Knob. You can see this historic battlefield for yourself and experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War at the 150th anniversary of the battle Sept. 20 through Sept. 28 at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. For more information about the event and the re-enactment, go to mostateparks/park/battle-pilot-knob-state-historic-site.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:00:02 +0000
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