Battle of Fort Davidson

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Battle of Fort Davidson
Pilot Knob
Began:

September 27, 1864

Ended:

Same day

Location:

Iron County, Missouri

Theater:

Trans-Mississippi Theater

Campaign:

Price’s Missouri Expedition

Outcome:

Union victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

Fort Davidson garrison

Army of Missouri

Commanders

Thomas Ewing, Jr.
Brigadier General, USA

Sterling Price
Major General, CSA

Strength
Casualties

184

1,500

  

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. (NPS summary)