 |
 |
 |
From previous marker continue on Swope Parkway, turn right on Meyer Blvd, turn left on Prospect, cross over Hickman Mills Dr and continue on Prospect/Grandview Rd, across bridge over Big Blue River to marker 20. This marker is located near the intersection of Prospect Avenue, Grandview Road and Blue River Road.
Russell's Ford Historical Marker
Russell's Ford Historical Marker Inscription
"In 1864 the ford across the Blue River was near where the bridge to the north now stands. Blue River Road did not exist then. On October 22, 1864, Kansas Militia, defending this ford to prevent crossing by Confederate General Price, withdrew to the north and west when Price crossed downstream. On the 23rd, Price's wagon train and most of his army crossed here retreating south on what was then called the Harrisonville Road. Late that morning a unit of McNeil's Union Brigade was on the bluff to the southeast but did not fire on the enemy."
Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's wagon train and cattle herd crossed to the west side of the Big Blue River here at Russell's Ford. On October 22, 1864, Price had put Maj. Gen. James F. Fagan in charge of guarding the Confederate wagon train. Fagan delgated this responsibility to Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell's Cavalry Brigade. Cabell was also accompanied by several thousand of the unarmed recruits under the command of Col. Charles H. Tyler. The wagon train left Independence on October 22.
Early in the morning on October 23, 1864, Price's wagon train and cattle herd were still east of the Big Blue River, moving slowly toward New Santa Fe. Sometime between 8 and 9 a.m., Cabell noticed a large force of what he thought was enemy calvary of to the northeast of his position. Cabell immediately dispatched a messenger to notify General Price of the danger to the train.
Indeed, it was the brigade of Brig. Gen. John McNeil. Union Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton wanted to cut off the Confederate army's possible path of retreat. Shortly after midnight on October 23, Pleasonton ordered General McNeil to take his 2d Cavalry Brigade down the Independence Road and then on to New Santa Fe arriving at daylight. McNeil left shortly after midnight but was late and did not arrvie in time to cut off the train.
Maj. Gen. Sterling Price
Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell
Brig. Gen. John McNeil
|
 |
|