Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Cannon at Tour Stop Number 5
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and the site of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri. Wilson’s Creek NB commemorates and interprets the battle within the context of the war in the Trans-Mississippi West.
Map showing location of park.
Fire crews burning field during prescribed burn. NPS fire staff burning grasses, one from an ATV another on foot.
Update on Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Prescribed Burns
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will intermittently conduct prescribed burns in the park between December 9 and December 12, 2024.
Fire crews burning field during prescribed burn. NPS fire staff burning grasses, one from an ATV another on foot.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Announces Prescribed Burns
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the park sometime between December 2 and December 19, 2024. The range of dates is due to prescribed fire being dependent on weather conditions. The burn is expected to last multiple days.
Paper lanterns illuminate the area near an historic house.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield announces the Memorial Luminary Tour on November 15th
REPUBLIC, MO— Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield invites the public to the 20th Annual Memorial Luminary Tour on Friday, November 15, 2024, starting at 5:30 p.m. This free event commemorates the 2,539 casualties suffered at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek on August 10, 1861.
A charred and brown field with smoke rising in the foreground. Two fire vehicles can be seen in teh distance.
Fire at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Extinguished
Fire ignited in the park extinguished after burning about four acres.
Men in reproduction uniforms talk around a campfire
Photo by Charles Dischinger
Women in reproduction historic dress sit and stand on porch of old cabin
Photo by NPS Photo
A stone marker with engraving sits in front of a wooden fence and trees
Photo by NPS Photo
The receiver of an 1864 rifle shows decorative engraving with the original owner's name
Photo by Courtesy of Morphy Auctions
A man and woman walk with their dog on a paved road edged by trees and fields
Photo by NPS Photo
Front Entrance of Visitor Center and Arrowhead on sign reading "Wilson's Creek National Battlefield"
Photo by Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer
General Nathaniel Lyon killed at The Battle of Wilson's Creek was placed on this bed. The Lyon Bed.
Photo by Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer