In October 1864 federal forces attacked
the retreating Confederate Army along the
banks of Mine Creek. One of the largest
cavalry engagements of the Civil War, Mine
Creek was the only major battle fought in
Kansas. This dramatic story comes alive
in the visitor center where you will see
Civil War era uniforms, weapons, and photographs.
Mine Creek ghost sent us
by Brandy Collins.
Completed in 1998, the Mine Creek Visitor
Center helps preserve for history this often
overlooked battle which is actually one
of the largest cavalry engagements of the
Civil War as well as a battle remembered
for it's intense hand to hand combat. The
battle claimed 400-500 dead that day, mostly
Confederates, and quickly brought about
the end of the war on the western front
The Battle of Mine Creek
(also known as Battle of the Osage and Battle
of the Marais des Cygnes)
October 25, 1864
In mid-September of 1864 Confederate General
Sterling Price hoped to capture Missouri
for the South. The Civil War had raged for
nearly 31/2 years, and Price, a former Missouri
governor, had been actively engaged throughout.
Leading pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard
troops at the Battles of Lexington, Wilson’s
Creek and Pea Ridge, Price was a favorite
of his troops. Affectionately known as “Old
Pap”, Price had also fought at Iuka
and Corinth, MS.
Recruiting troops as he swept through Missouri,
Price filled his ranks with fresh volunteers
and prepared for his invasion. After a few
small engagements, including a victory at
the Battle of the Big Blue, Price headed
his troops toward Kansas City. There, on
October 23, Price was defeated at the Battle
of Westport and retreated south down the
state line. Pursuing Price, with a force
of about 10,000, was Union General Samuel
R. Curtis.
Mine Creek Battlfield Ghost
Photo sent to us by Debbie Martin.
After crossing into Kansas, Price and his
weary troops camped near Trading Post the
night of October 24th. But before dawn on
the following day pursuing Federal troops
under Generals Pleasonton, Blunt and Curtis
overtook Price’s retreating army and
began a running battle that would climax
around mid-day along the steep sides of
rain-swollen Mine Creek. The main ford had
become a quagmire from the fleeing wagon
train numbering approximately 500. Two of
Price’s commanders, General John Marmaduke,
and General James Fagan, with approximately
7,000 troops, were forced to make a stand
on the north side of the creek and cover
the fleeing army’s retreat.
Provisional cavalry division Casualties
100, The cavalry division Confederate States
of America Casualties 1,200
Ghost of
the Battlefield
Many say the spot where the the battle
rages is very haunted. Reports of groaning
and moaning and men yelling in pain sounds,
the distressed noise of horses and the sounds
of swords clanking, and gunshots are often
heard and recoded as EVP's of the haunted
battles roar.
Some have reported seeing the shadows of
horses and soldiers moving through the field.
And the smell of gunpowder is reported often.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Mine Creek Battlefield
Location: Two miles south on U.S. 69, one-half
mile west on K-52 in Pleasanton, Kansas
Hours: March - November
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday
1 - 5 p.m. Sunday
December - February
Special events and by appointment only
Closed all state holidays
Group tours by appointment
Phone: 913-352-8890
Admission: $2.00 adults; $1.00 seniors and
students (K-12, college); annual passes
are available, KSHS members admitted free
Featuring a Museum Store
ADA Accessible
Email: minecreek@kshs.org
Mailing Address: 20485 Kansas Highway 52
Pleasanton KS 66075-9549
Inside the Mine Creek Battlefield visitor
center you'll see Civil War-era uniforms,
learn about the eyewitnesses to the battle,
view vivid sketches, and see weapons from
the battle.
Exhibits take you through the days leading
to the battle, telling the story of Price's
raid through Missouri and Kansas.
Test your knowledge of the battle with
computer simulated battle sequences. Take
a panoramic view of the battlefield from
the visitor center window.
Battlefield
Today at Mine Creek Battlefield you can
follow the path of the battle guided by
signage to indicate specific areas of interest.
The 1.6 mile Prairie Loop passes through
the area of the battlefield north of Mine
Creek. The 1.2 mile Timber Loop traverses
the area south of Mine Creek.
You can learn about the types of flora and
fauna associated with this region of the
state. The battlefield combines elements
of Kansas prairies and woodlands.
You're likely to spot pawpaw, black walnut,
and hickory trees. The trail offers an excellent
opportunity to witness wildlife such as
white-tailed deer, mourning dove, cottontail
rabbits, raccoon, opposum, coyote, bobcat,
and fox squirrels.
You can help us preserve this site and
provide for your safety by observing these
trail policies:
Pedestrian use only
Pets on leash
Campfires and smoking prohibited
No firearms
No alcoholic beverages
ALSO SEE: THE TOP
TEN MOST HAUNTED BATTLEFIELD LIST
Though
the battles have long ago ended and the
sound of cannons and muskets is but a distant
memory, there are some souls who are still
waiting for the call to “Retreat”
– and for them, it may never come!
Make
plans to visit a Haunted Battlefield today!
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