Battle of Lexington
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Location: Lexington, MO
Dates: September 13-20, 1861
Union Commander:  James A. Mulligan, Colonel
Confederate Commander:  Sterling Price, Major General

Battle Summary:
Fresh from a victory at Wilson's Creek, Major General Sterling Price, commanding the Missouri State Guard, swept north into north central Missouri.  There, along the Missouri River, Colonel Mulligan had a garrison of 3,500 troops protecting the Union fort at Lexington, MO.  With fresh ammo trains, Price stormed the Union works, using hemp bales for protection.  Mulligan surrendered his troops on September 20.

Outcome: Confederate Victory

Troop Strengths
Union: 3,500
Confederate: 12,000 (Missouri State Guard)

Casualties (estimated):
Union: 1,874 (killed, wounded)/1,700 (captured)
Confederate: 100 (killed, wounded or missing/captured)

Battle Aftermath:
After major losses at Wilson's Creek and now Lexington, control of central Missouri was overwhelmingly Confederate.  This would remain the case until Major General Samuel Curtis defeated troops led by Earl Van Dorn at Elk Horn Tavern, AR in February 1862.  Missouri would remain under the control of the Union forces from that point forward.  However guerilla warfare would continue to plague much of Missouri for the remainder of the rebellion.    Close Window