Description: |
In September 1864, a Confederate army under Maj. Gen. Sterling Price crossed into Missouri with
the goal of capturing St. Louis. Union Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing moved with reinforcements down the railroad to
Ironton to retard Price’s advance. On the morning of September 27, the Confederates attacked, driving the
Federals back into their defenses anchored by Fort Davidson. In the late afternoon, Price unsuccessfully assaulted
the fort repeatedly, suffering heavy casualties. Price, considering the possible time involved, had dismissed the
possibility of mounting guns on the high ground to compel the fort to surrender or to shell the garrison into
submission. During the night, the Federals evacuated the fort. Price had paid a high price in lives and gave Union
forces the necessary time to concentrate and oppose his raid. |