Byram's Ford Battlefield Historical Marker

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 From previous stop return to park entrance and turn right on Swope Parkway, turn right on 63rd St, turn left on Manchester Trafficway, go 150 yards to marker 16 on right (south). 

Byram's Ford Battlefield Historical Marker

 Byram's Ford Battlefield Historical Marker

Byram's Ford Battlefield Historical Marker Inscription

"At 8 A.M. on October 23, 1864, Federal Cavalry under General Alfred E. Pleasonton forced a crossing of the Blue River at Byram's Ford and attacked the stone ridge, which was defended by Confederate troops under General John S. Marmaduke. After three hours heavy fighting and severe casualties, the hill was taken. This defeat of Marmaduke's Division enabled Pleasonton to outflank General Sterling Price's Confederate Army, and contributed to General Samuel R. Curtis' Union victory at the Battle of Westport."

Immediately to the north of this marker is the 15-20 foot rocky ledge on which the Confederate defenders were waiting for the attack from Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton's Cavalry Division. On the wooded ridge just west of where you are standing was the main defensive line for the Marmaduke's Confederate Division.

The Federal 1st Cavalry Brigade commanded by Col. John F. Philips was deployed to the left of Byram's Ford Road along the Big Blue River to your left. The Fourth Cavalry Brigade commanded by Col. Edward F. Winslow was dismounted in the open field to your right in front of the rocky ledge.

 Col. John F. Philips

Col. John F. Philips

Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton

 Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton

Col. Edward F. Winslow

 Col. Edward F. Winslow

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