Today in History:

Mine Creek

Battle Name: Mine Creek
Other Names: Battle of the Osage
State: Kansas
Location: Linn County
Campaign: Price’s Missouri Expedition (1864)
Dates: October 25, 1864
Principal Commanders: Gen. Alfred Pleasonton [US]; Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke and Maj. Gen. James F. Fagan [CS]
Forces Engaged: Provisional cavalry division [US]; cavalry division [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 1,300 total (US 100; CS 1,200)
Description: About six miles south of Trading Post, where the Marais de Cygnes engagement had occurred, the brigades of Col. Frederick W. Benteen and Col. John F. Phillips, of Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton’s Provisional Cavalry Division, overtook the Confederates as they were crossing Mine Creek. These Rebels, stalled by their wagons crossing the ford, had formed a line on the north side of Mine Creek. The Federals, although outnumbered, commenced the attack as additional troops from Pleasonton’s command arrived during the fight. They soon surrounded the Rebels, resulting in the capture of about 600 men and two generals, Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke and Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell. Having lost this many men, Price’s army was doomed. Retreat to friendly territory was the only recourse.
Results: Union victory

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