Battle Of Westport and Kansas City in the Civil War Driving Tour

1. Action Before Westport Historical Marker

This historical marker shares this area's connection to the three-day Battle of Westport, which lasted from October 21 to October 23, 1864, and featured several skirmishes and pitched battles throughout the modern-day Kansas City metro. The Battle of Westport was the largest battle west of the Mississippi River. This was once the location of the Harris Hotel, which Major General Samuel R. Curtis used as his headquarters on October 22nd. Union troops, under Curtis's command, made camp for the evening throughout present-day Westport and prepared to defend Kansas City. The following day, Union forces defeated the outnumbered Confederate forces. This battle was the turning point in Price’s Raid on Missouri, causing the retreat of Price’s Army into Arkansas and allowing the Union to maintain control over Missouri for the rest of the war. Some historians refer to the Battle of Westport as the “Gettysburg of the West.”

2. Union Position Historical Marker

The Union positioning is crucial to understanding the Battle of Westport, which occurred on October 23, 1864. It is notable as being the largest battle west of the Mississippi River and is often referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West.” This significant battle was the final nail in the coffin of Price’s 1864 Raid into Missouri, causing the Confederates to retreat southward, ending the last major Confederate offensive in the Trans-Mississippi theater of the war. The objective of Price’s Raid was to seize St. Louis and take Missouri for the Confederacy. The Union army forced the pro-southern Missouri State Guard and the Confederate Army out of Missouri by early 1862. Although countered by a Confederate guerrilla insurgency, Union forces were able to maintain control over most of the state for the remainder of the war. The Union Position historical marker is located on the triangle divider between Ward Parkway and Sunset Drive on the south side of Brush Creek and is part of a larger tour of the Battle of Westport developed by the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund.

3. Union Flanking Movement Historical Marker

Marker Inscription: Here just before noon on Sunday, October 23, 1864, Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis, commanding the Federal Army of the Border, began his flanking movement of Brigadier General Joseph Orville Shelby's Division of the Confederate Army of Missouri. While the Union army was engaged in heavy fighting just east of here, General Curtis led the 9th Wisconsin Battery and Company G of the 11th Kansas Cavalry up a twisting, wooded defile to a position on the left and rear of General Shelby's lines, the battery, firing down the Confederate lines, caused Shelby to pull back from the heights south of Brush Creek, severely weakening the Confederate position.George Thoman, a farmer living just south of Westport pointed out the defile to General Curtis and served as guide. Sunset Drive follows the wall of the old defile.This flanking movement took place during the three-day Battle of Westport. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River. About 30,000 troops fought during this battle, which included approximately 22,000 Union soldiers and 8,500 Confederate soldiers, though the numbers in the records are inconsistent. The Union Line was located along Brush Creek and the Confederate line was located near what is now Loose Park. This flanking movement was pivotal to the Union victory.

4. Seth Ward House Historical Marker

This expansive Greek Revival mansion was constructed around 1871 for the family of Seth Ward, a frontier trader who arrived in Independence in 1837 and joined a fur trading expedition. Over the next three decades, Ward earned a fortune by providing supplies to frontier military units and later outfitting explorers and settlers at Fort Laramie. After several decades on the frontier, Ward returned to the Kansas City area in 1871. He and his second wife, Mary Ward, daughter of Westport hotelier John Harris, purchased this land from William Bent, another influential and successful trader and land owner in Kansas City history. At that time, Ward's property extended from 51st to 55th Street and Wornall Road to the Kansas-Missouri state line. The property enjoys a rich history that goes beyond Ward and Bent, entailing Mormons, Native Americans, western expansionism, Kansas City's first elected Mayor, and the bloody Battle of Westport during the Civil War in 1864, which took place on the historic property.

5. The Battle of Westport Monument Tour Stop 5a. (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City dedicated this monument on October 23, 1953, to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Battle of Westport. If one was here on October 23, 1864, they would be in the center of a battle that lasted three days and decisively ended Confederate General Sterling Price’s attempt to gain control of Missouri. This marker commemorates the site of that three-day battle, where the Union Army and several Kansas militia units were victorious and sent the men under Confederate General Sterling Price into a rapid retreat south to Texas. The battle was significant because it preserved Abraham Lincoln's reelection prospects at a critical moment as the Union army destroyed Confederate hopes of regaining control of Missouri, perhaps the most critical border state at that time.

6. Confederate Position Historical Marker

This historical marker was dedicated in 1979 to designate the initial position held by Confederate troops on October 23, 1864, as they initially repelled Union attacks from the north before retreating during the pivotal day of the Battle of Westport. The Confederate position here reflects Sterling Price's attempt to attack Union forces in the area one at a time before they could surround his forces. At that time, Price's soldiers and wagon train were located between the Blue River crossing five miles to the east and today's Loose Park, where Confederate troops faced a larger army under General Samuel Curtis, who had built a defensive line along Brush Creek, a few blocks to the north, and were defending the town of Westport. Confederate forces clashed here on the morning of the 23rd with General James Blunt's cavalry, which was part of Samuel Curtis's army. The Confederate force here stretched along a stone fence on what is now 51st Street from current-day Oak Street to State Line Road, while a smaller Confederate force formed a defensive line along present-day 55th Street, the southern border of today's Loose Park. After several skirmishes with the Union troops along Brush Creek to the north, Union forces had successfully outflanked Confederate lines to the west. With dwindling ammunition, artillery fire, and more Union troops arriving from the north, east, and west, the Confederate troops here retreated south to the defensive lines along 55th Street before joining a rapid general retreat from the Kansas City area that afternoon. In the following days, Sterling Price’s Army of the Missouri disintegrated as they retreated south through Kansas and towards Arkansas. After the battle, Union control of most of Missouri was secure, and the Confederate defeat bolstered Lincoln's electoral prospects in November. The marker is located next to a stone fence near 51st Street. While this fence was created after the Civil War, it provides a visual marker of the original fence that Confederate troops on their front lines used as they clashed with Union forces to the north before retreating to the south.

7. Union Artillery Tour Stop 6 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

Marker Inscription: When Gen. Curtis moved up the hill to the west Gen. Blunt moved south from Brush Creek through the woods to Loose Park. He drove the Confederates from a stone fence along 51st St. and formed a line there at 11:00 a.m., Oct. 23, 1864. running east and west from Oak St. to the Bent House and south 500 yds. McLain's Colo. Battery of parrott guns was in Wornall Lane. The 9th Wisc. Battery was 100 ft to the west. Thirty Union guns were in line. Attacks were made until noon when the Confederates were pushed south to the Wornall House.This Marker notes how effective Union Artillery was in helping the Union forces push back the Confederates. Union Artillery took out three Confederate artillery pieces. Of note is Douglas’s Independent Kansas Colored Battery (a section was attached to the 9th Wisconsin), which at the Battle of Westport is the first time an African-American unit was officially led by an African-American officer, 2nd Lieutenant Patrick H. Minor, in combat. This is part of the three-day Battle of Westport

8. McGhee's Charge Historical Marker Tour Stop 7 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This historical marker designates the approximate location of McGhee's Charge on October 23, 1864. This battle maneuver marked a critical turning point in the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The marker is at the location where Confederate Colonel J. H. McGhee led his Arkansas Cavalry Regiment in an attack of Union Captain William D. McLain's Battery, resulting in a Union victory. The battle included a one-on-one fight between two commanding officers, McGhee and Union Captain Curtis Johnson, a rare scene that demonstrates the nature of warfare in smaller skirmishes where commanders were sometimes also combatants. The marker incorrectly states that McGhee was killed as he was only wounded and lived until 1870. United States troops turned back the Confederate offensive, forcing a retreat that continued in the days ahead and effectively ended Confederate hopes for controlling western Missouri and other areas west of the Mississippi River.

9. Replica Canon at Loose Park Historical Markers Tour Stop 8 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

These historical markers share information about the Battle of Westport, the most consequential battle fought west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. The battle raged over two days throughout this part of what is now Kansas City, and while the precise location of all troop movements and engagements are not known, some of the most critical locations of the battle can be identified because of topography. For example, the land that is now home to the Pembroke Hill School was the high ground initially occupied by Confederates but captured by Union forces. The land that is now home to Loose Park was near the center of several known engagements and may have likely been used as an encampment and staging ground by Confederate troops in the early stages of the battle. Given the popularity of the park and its walking path, local historians chose this location for the replica cannon and a variety of detailed historical markers that were installed as part of an Eagle Scout project. For those who want to learn more about the Battle of Westport, there are many other historical markers connected to the 25-stop Battle of Westport tour.

10. Wornall Homestead Battle of Westport Historical Marker

Dedicated in 1961, this historical marker shares the connection between the Wornall Homestead and the Battle of Westport. The homestead included 640 acres at that time and was at the center of heavy fighting on October 23, 1864. The Wornall estate became a field hospital after the battle, with both Union and Confederate soldiers receiving care.

11. Collins' Battery Battle of Westport Action on the Third Day Historical Marker Tour Stop 9 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

Marker Inscription: Near this point on the morning of October 23, 1864, Capt. Richard A. Collins' Confederate battery of Shelby's Brigade went into action, supported by two cavalry battalions. for two hours this battery dueled with the 9th Wisconsin battery, covering the approaches to Westport. So hot was Collins' fire that he burst one of his guns.This historical marker commemorates a key moment in the three-day series of Civil War battles that are collectively known as the Battle of Westport. Near this marker on October 23rd, 1864, a Confederate artillery battery returned fire from the 9th Independent Battery Wisconsin Light Artillery in a two-hour engagement that was followed by a Confederate retreat. The Wisconsin battery was led by Captain Cyrus Johnson, and the men in this Union battery had fought the previous day in the Battle of the Big Blue, which also resulted in a victory for the Union.

12. Hinkel’s Grove Tour Stop 11 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This historical marker commemorates the converging of Union Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt and Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis’ Army of the Border and Union Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton’s Provisional Cavalry Division of the Department of the Missouri, breaking the line of the Confederate delaying action of Confederate Brig. Gen. Joseph Shelby’s “Iron” Brigade, and the other Confederate Forces, causing them to retreat to the South, to link back up with the rest of Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price’s Army of the Missouri. This is part of the three-day Battle of Westport.

13. Battle of Big Blue River Historical Marker Tour Stop 12 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

Marker Inscription: On October 22, 1864, after the Union line along the Big Blue was flanked, Jackman’s Confederate Brigade overran the Militia at the Mockbee farm, 78th and Holmes, and drove Jennison’s Union Brigade back to the state line. Jennison and Moonlight’s brigades then pushed Jackman back to this area in late afternoon. Thompson’s Confederate Brigade came up at dusk. Fighting continued until dark when both sides pulled back. The GAR monument site on Paseo was selected by Win S. Shepard who fought with Moonlight here.GAR Monument Inscription: In Memoriam Grand Army of the Republic Commemoration of the Battle of Westport . Erected on site of the Battle of Westport on 73rd Anniversary Oct 23, 1937. By Ladies of the G.A.R.This historical marker marks the area where United States forces defeated Confederate troops on October 22, 1864, during the Battle of Big Blue River. The Battle of Westport, fought October 22-23, 1864, was an American Civil War battle that took place in and around the then-small settlements of Westport and Independence, Missouri. The battle was part of Price’s Raid, a Confederate offensive led by Major General Sterling Price with the goal of taking Missouri before the 1864 Presidential election. This site saw two Union brigades led by Colonels Charles R. "Doc" Jennison and Thomas Moonlight defeat Confederate brigades led by Sidney D. Jackman and Brigadier General Meriweather Jeff Thompson. The defeat of the Confederate forces at the Battle of Westport the next day was the final nail in the coffin of this last major offensive fought west of the Mississippi River and marked the beginning of a long, costly retreat of Confederates to the south.

14. Shelby’s Last Stand Tour Stop 13 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This historical marker shares the history of a critical moment in the Battle of Westport when Confederate Brigadier General Joseph Shelby, his “Iron” Brigade, and other Confederate forces confronted troops but were pushed further south in their retreat from the Kansas City area. Confederates were overwhelmed by the combined might of Union forces here and several other locations during three days of fighting in October 1864. Union Major General James G. Blunt and Major General Samuel R. Curtis’s Army of the Border and Union Major General Alfred Pleasonton’s Provisional Cavalry Division of the Department of the Missouri prevailed here and pushed Shelby’s forces to the south. This battle was part of a series of skirmishes and battles in the Battle of Westport, which became the final attempt of the Confederates to continue their effort to control Missouri.

15. Battle of Mockbee's Farm Tour Stop 14 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This historical marker was commissioned by the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund as part of a 23-stop Battle of Westport driving tour. The marker is at the approximate position of the 2nd Kansas State Milita stand at Mockbee's Farm. One of a series of engagements comprising the Battle of Westport, the fight at Mockbee's Farm on October 22, 1864, marked a decisive episode in the three-day battle known today as the "Gettysburg of the West." As the right flank of the Union defenses along the Big Blue River began to collapse and retreat to the Kansas state line, a Union militia regiment accidentally appeared in the rear of the Confederate pursuit, cutting the Rebels' assault short and giving Union forces time to recuperate and counterattack. The dramatic nature of the action at Mockbee's Farm, while part of the larger battle swirling around Byram's Ford that day, makes it one of the most memorable incidents in the climactic battle of Sterling Price's Missouri Expedition.

16. Prospect Road (Harrisonville Road) Tour Stop 15 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

Marker Inscription: This was the main road to Harrisonville. Fagan’s Confederate Division was posted here at noon on Oct.23, 1864. At daylight that day Gen. Price’s huge wagon train moved south on this road. After his defeat at Byram’s Ford Gen. Marmaduke retreated south following Price’s column. Gen. Fagan was reinforced by Jackman’s Brigade. They faced east. Sanborn of Pleasanton's Div. attacked them but was driven back but he and Benteen then drove them to the south and west.Prospect Road, which runs north and south on the east side of Kansas City was once known as Harrisonville Road. While it is now an urban artery street, this road held a great deal of historical significance during the American Civil War. During this time the road was a major route from Kansas City and Westport to communities to the south, including Harrisonville. The road was made of gravel and was a main route for travel, goods, and for services to and from the towns to the north. “Harrisonville Road witnessed numerous skirmishes and engagements throughout the Civil War. These smaller conflicts were part of the ongoing struggle for control and dominance along this strategic route” (Kennett, 2003). Controlling the road was a significant objective during the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River, as well. A historic marker erected by (insert who erected the marker) It is located in Southeast Kansas City near the intersection of Meyer Blvd and Wabash Avenue. (hmbd.org).

17. Byram's Ford and Big Blue Battlefield Historical Marker Tour Stop 16 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

A crucial chapter in both the Second Battle of Independence (Oct. 22) and the Battle of Westport (Oct. 23), this historical marker shares the history of the two days of fighting at Byram's Ford, which is now part of Kansas City's Swope Park. The battle that occurred here was also a pivotal moment in Confederate General Sterling Price's cavalry raid through Missouri in 1864. Price first used the ford to move his men and slip away from Union General Samuel Curtis' formidable defenses, and the following day Union cavalry would smash through Price's rearguard and seal the trap that would annihilate his army in the ensuing week. The marker can be found by following the trail alongside Hardesty Avenue just a few hundred feet west.

18. Pratt’s Artillery Tour Stop 17a. (battle of Westport Driving tour) (Price's Raid)

Marker Inscription: On the morning of Oct. 23, 1864 Clarke's Confederate Brigade of Marmaduke's Div. was in line on this hill from 63rd St. Trafficway north across 59th St. facing east to stop Pleasonton's Cavalry. Pratt's two Batteries, Harris' Mo. and Hynson's Tx. each with two 10 pounder Parrotts and one small gun were in the line. Two Parrotts were here firing on the ford, the road and Union Artillery on the hill across the river. Pratt's Artillery was withdrawn before the final Union charge. The entire line was forced back at 11 A.M.This Marker notes approximately where Confederate Maj Joseph H. Pratt’s two Artillery batteries were firing at Union forces under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton in support of the Confederate dismounted cavalry to hold Pleasonton off as long as possible. This is part of the Second battle of Byram’s Ford, Which is part of the larger three day Battle of Westport.

19. Log House and Defensive Line Tour Stop 17b. (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This marker notes a log cabin that stood around this location. Confederate forces used the cabin as cover while fighting Union forces at Byram’s Ford. This is part of the Second Battle of Byram’s Ford, which is part of the three-day Battle of Westport. This marker includes a brief summary of the actions at the Second Battle of Byram’s Ford (also known as the Second Battle of the Big Blue River) on October 23, 1864. This skirmish was a smaller rear guard engagement by Maj. Gen. John S. Marmaduke’s Confederate forces to delay Union Cavalry under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, who had been pursuing Price across most of Missouri. In 2024, the marker was missing but the pole was still visible.

20. Battle of Westport Historical Marker Tour Stop 18 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

Dedicated in 1961, this historical marker commemorates the pivotal moment in the Battle of Westport when General Pleasonton's forces made a successful assault on Confederate forces who had occupied this hill on the morning of October 23, 1864. After three hours of heavy fighting, Union forces broke through Confederate lines. The Battle of Westport is widely regarded as the most critical battle of the Civil War that occurred west of the Mississippi River. The battle occurred in modern-day Kansas City from October 21-23, 1864, and the Confederate defeat was a turning point in the war in this region and marked the end of the Confederate threat in the West. As the largest battle in the West, with over 30,000 combatants, the three-day battle resulted in about 1,500 deaths on each side. The scale, significance, and high casualties led to the Battle of Westport being known as the “Gettysburg of the West” among some historians.

21. “Boston” Adams House Tour Stop 19 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

A historical marker dedicated here (and missing in 2024) noted the “Boston” Adams House, which was used by Confederate Major General Sterling Price on October 22, 1864 during the three-day Battle of Westport. The house of Thomas “Boston” Maxwell Adams was used by Price as his headquarters and camp for part of his Army of the Missouri on the evening of October 22. It was here that Price came up with his battle plan for the 23rd, which included deploying his forces on two fronts.

22. Russell’s Ford Tour Stop 20 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

The historical marker dedicated here notes that Major General Sterling Price’s wagon train escaped this way while Union Brig. Gen. John McNeil cautiously followed, thinking he was facing the entire Confederate Army and was cautious to attack. When he did, the wagon train had reinforcements. This was one of the series of markers that share the history of the three-day Battle of Westport. 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.

23. New Santa Fe Road Tour Stop 21 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This marker denotes that Union Brig. Gen. John McMeil was supposed to block Maj. Gen. Sterling Price’s escape. McNeil failed to do so, and Price escaped, with Union forces in pursuit. This was part of the large three-day Battle of Westport.

24. New Santa Fe Tour Stop 22 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour) (Price's Raid)

This marker notes that Confederate Maj. General Sterling Price and his Army of the Missouri passed by on this road, fleeing Union pursuit. Union forces stopped the pursuit for the evening due to the need to rest after having fought all day at Westport. This is part of the larger three-day Battle of Westport.

25. Thomas Farmhouse Historical Marker Tour Stop 23 (Battle of Westport Driving Tour

This historical marker shares the historical significance of the Thomas Farmhouse, which was the location of an important meeting of Union leaders following a victory at Westport. Generals Curtis, Blunt, Pleasanton, and Dietzler, as well as Governor Corney and Senator Jim Lane of Kansas, were present at the meeting. The marker was placed in 1964 by the Civil War Round Table of Kansas City.

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Battle Of Westport and Kansas City in the Civil War Driving Tour

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