Battle of Roan's Tan Yard

Battle of Roan's Tan Yard Silver Creek Began: January 8, 1862 Ended: Same day Location: Randolf County, Missouri Theater: Trans-Mississippi Theater Campaign: Operations in Northeast Missouri Outcome: Union victory Combatants 1st Missouri Cavalry 2nd Missouri Cavalry 4th Ohio Cavalry 1st Iowa Cavalry 5th Regiment, 3rd Division Missouri State Guard Commanders W.M.G. Torrence Major, USA J.A. Poindexter Colonel, CSA Strength 450 800 Casualties 25 Killed: 6 Wounded: 19 148 Killed: 40 Wounded: 80 Captured: 28

Rumors and sightings of a Confederate force in the Howard County area had circulated for more than a week, but the Union troops could not locate them. On January 7, 1862, information came to hand that Col. J.A. Poindexter and his Confederate force were camped on Silver Creek. Detachments from various Union units came together and headed towards the Confederate camp which was about 14 miles northwest of Fayette. After finding the camp, the force attacked, routing the enemy and sending those that were not killed, wounded, or captured fleeing for safety. Afterwards, the Union force destroyed the camp to prevent its further use. The Confederates could no longer use their Randolph County base for recruiting and raiding.