Battle of Westport
Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
What happened
Union forces under Samuel Curtis and Alfred Pleasonton fought the Confederate Army of Missouri under Sterling Price. Price had invaded Missouri, hoping to retake the state and turn northern voters against President Lincoln. At Westport, now part of Kansas City, his outnumbered army attacked Curtis's line along Brush Creek. Union troops found a way around his flank, Pleasonton's cavalry came up behind him, and the Confederate line broke.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the last major Confederate offensive west of the Mississippi River. With more than 30,000 troops, it was one of the largest battles in the West, sometimes called the 'Gettysburg of the West'.
What came next
Price retreated through Kansas and Indian Territory, losing more than half his army. Missouri stayed under Union control for the rest of the war.
Did you know?
Buffalo Bill Cody served as a private in a Union cavalry regiment in the campaign, and Wild Bill Hickok worked as a scout.
Timeline
- 19 September 1864Price enters Missouri.
- 23 October 1864The Union wins at Westport.
- 25 October 1864Price is defeated again at Mine Creek.
- 2 December 1864Price's army returns to Arkansas.