Mine Creek
Mine Creek, Kansas
October 25, 1864
The Battle of Mine Creek was the largest cavalry battle west of the Mississippi.
Two Brigades of Union troops (Colonel John F. Philips and Lt Col Frederick W. Benteen),
under the command of Maj Gen Alfred Pleasonton attacked two Divisions of Confederate
troops commanded by Maj Gen James F. Fagan and Maj Gen John S. Marmaduke.
The Confederates were guarding 500 wagons, carrying supplies and plunder from
Price’s "invasion" of Missouri while they crossed the ford at Mine Creek.
The Union cavalry was armed with repeating rifles and pistols while the
Confederates mostly had muzzle loading rifled muskets. In a short, but very sharp
battle, the 2,600 Union troops routed the 7,000 Confederates.
The wagon train escaped this battle but was slowly abandoned or destroyed
as Price’s demoralized army headed back into Arkansas.
Confederate losses included the capture of two Generals, eight Colonels and a
ll of the Confederate artillery. An estimated 400 troops were killed or wounded
and about 1,000 captured. Union casualties were less than 150 killed or wounded.
Much of the land encompassing this battle is included in the Kanwsas State Historical Society,
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site.
CWSAC ref KS003, Preservation Priority III.3 (class C battle)
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Battlefield Series
Mine Creek 01
This view is the main field of battle, looking south from the Union position
toward the tree line marking the edge of Mine Creek.
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Mine Creek 02
This view is the main field of battle, looking north from the Confederate
position toward the area of the Union advance. (Mine Creek is to the rear).
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Mine Creek 03
This view is the ford over Mine Creek, looking south, the direction of the
Confederate retreat. The old Fort Scott Road passed through here.
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Mine Creek 04
This view is Mine Creek, looking downstream (east) from the ford.
The old Fort Scott Road passed through here.
photo taken May 4, 2002
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