The site of the first major battle of the Civil War west of the Mississippi is located right in the middle of the Ozarks, just minutes north of Branson.
This park allows its guests to either drive around and take a quick look, or you can park and really got lost in the history of the park. There are trails leading every which way that are perfect for an evening stroll. Along the main road are houses that were used as makeshift hospitals, and deep within the woods, visible only from the trails, is rubble from old homes, bridges, and more. Guests are welcome to explore the houses during certain hours.
The battle that took place here involved more than 17,000 troops. Over half of those troops were Confederate, and the battle ended in their favor. This park is special because it is also the site of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, who was the first Union General to be killed in combat. With the exception of some trees and other minor vegetation, the landscape has changed very little since those days. Visitors are encouraged to step out onto Bloody Hill and take a look around at the surroundings that troops so long ago admired, too. There is a fee to enter the park, although it is quite small.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield was the location of an August 10, 1861 battle that marked the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi.
