Battle of Carthage, Missouri

The Battle of Carthage, fought on July 5, 1861, was an early Civil War engagement near Carthage, Missouri. Union Colonel Franz Sigel’s 1,100 soldiers faced off against Governor Claiborne F. Jackson’s 4,000 Missouri State Guardsmen. Despite being outnumbered, Sigel launched an attack after an artillery bombardment. However, a reported Confederate force led to a Union withdrawal into the town, resulting in a firefight in the town square. The battle ended with a Confederate victory, bolstering their hopes for Missouri’s loyalty. This engagement set the stage for the subsequent Battle of Wilson’s Creek.