Mine Creek Battlefield

-Skirmish Ridge-

When you leave the Visitor Center, walk north and east to the marker (4 x 4 post in the ground) that is closest to the State Highway 52.

You are standing about where the Fort Scott Road passed through here. Turn and look to the north. In the distance is a red marker. The Confederates had set up their skirmish line here to delay the advancing Federals.

Following the engagement at The Mounds, the brigades of Col. John F. Philips and Lt. Col. Frederick W. Benteen took over the Federal advance with Philips in the lead. It was around 11:00 a.m. on October 25 when Philips crested the ridge to the north, driving back the Confederate skirmishers. Philips immediately saw the Confederate rear guard forming its line of battle north of Mine Creek with its artillery ready. Philips formed on the right and waited for Benteen to arrive.

Turn around and look to the south. Take note of the terrain - its rolling prairie, the perfect topography for a cavalry engagement. The entire field was tall prairie grass with only some trees growing along the creek.

Colonel Philips described the scene as his cavalry brigade crested the ridge.

[The enemy] took position on the open prairie with Mine Creek in his immediate rear … The enemy was formed at 600 yards distance in treble lines and in overwhelming force. My ground was high and commanding. Here the whole rebel army and train were in full view … The scene was grand; the work before us of fearful import. An aide was sent to inform the major-general commanding that Price's army was in my immediate front and that I confronted him with my little command in line of battle. The enemy's vastly superior numbers enabled him to outflank me, which he evidently intended to do, by his movements.

At Skirmish Ridge Stop Looking North

At Skirmish Ridge Stop Looking South

Col. John F. Philips

Lt. Col. Frederick W. Benteen