Created in May 1861 by the Missouri State Legislature, the Guard was the legal militia guaranteed to Missourians under the U.S. The Missouri State Guard was one of the most unique military organizations in the Civil War.
What was the Missouri State Guard? Which side did it support?Ī. In addition, the defeats at Wilson's Creek and Lexington, Missouri (September 20, 1861) convinced Federal authorities to increase Union military activity in Missouri, setting the stage for the decisive Union victory at Pea Ridge, Arkansas in March 1862. Following the battle, the two principal Southern commanders disagreed about their next course of action, and did not follow up their advantage. If Wilson's Creek was a Southern victory, why is it called the battle that saved Missouri for the Union?Ī.
