The Battle of Independence (1862): A Turning Point in the American Civil War
The American Civil War, which raged between 1861 and 1865, was marked by a series of complex and often brutal battles, many of which had significant consequences for the future of the United States. Among these battles was the Battle of Independence, fought on August 11, 1862, in the town of Independence, Missouri. This battle, though not as widely known as some of its contemporaries, played an important role in shaping the war’s trajectory, particularly in the border state of Missouri. It is also a telling example of the broader struggle for control over strategic territories during the conflict.
The Context of the Battle of Independence
Missouri was a border state during the Civil War, meaning that it was geographically located between the Union-controlled North and the Confederacy-controlled South. The state was divided in its loyalties, with both Union and Confederate supporters living within its borders. The Battle of Independence occurred within this context, where local militias, Confederate forces, and Union soldiers clashed regularly over control of the state.
At the time of the battle, the Union had established a military presence in Missouri, hoping to maintain control over the state and prevent it from seceding to the Confederacy. The Confederacy, on the other hand, was keen to exploit Missouri as a strategic asset, hoping to gain access to the Mississippi River and strengthen its position in the western theater of the war.
The Confederate army, under the command of Brigadier General Sterling Price, had achieved several victories in the region, and its forces were attempting to consolidate their control over Missouri. This was part of a broader strategy to drive Union forces from the region and create a strong Confederate presence in the western United States. The Union, led by Major General Henry Halleck and others, was determined to hold Missouri and prevent Confederate expansion.
The Combatants: Missouri and Kansas
The Battle of Independence was primarily fought between Confederate forces and Union soldiers, but it also involved local militias and state forces. While the battle’s direct participants were Missouri and Kansas, the wider conflict involved various military units, including those from neighboring states. The Union forces largely comprised soldiers from Missouri and Kansas, while the Confederate forces were drawn from various parts of the South.
The Battle of Independence saw the involvement of both regular Confederate soldiers and guerrilla fighters, with many of the latter being drawn from local Missouri and Kansas militias. These guerrillas, often referred to as “bushwhackers,” played an instrumental role in the Confederate strategy in the region, and their tactics of hit-and-run fighting often made it difficult for Union forces to maintain control over the area.
The Battle
The battle itself occurred in the midst of the Confederate’s Missouri campaign. General Sterling Price, who had been leading Confederate forces in the region, was seeking to secure key towns and cities in Missouri. Independence, being an important rail hub and a gateway to the rest of the state, was a valuable prize for the Confederacy.
On the morning of August 11, 1862, Confederate forces under Price launched an attack on the Union garrison in Independence. The Union soldiers, under the command of Colonel Samuel R. Curtis, were not prepared for the attack and were quickly overwhelmed by the larger Confederate force. The Union forces were forced to retreat, and the Confederates were able to capture the town of Independence.
Despite the Confederate victory at Independence, the Union forces were not defeated entirely. The retreating Union soldiers regrouped and continued to fight in the region, while General Price and his troops continued to pursue their goals of securing Missouri for the Confederacy.
The Outcome and Aftermath
The Battle of Independence was a significant victory for the Confederate States of America, and it helped to solidify Confederate control over much of Missouri, at least temporarily. However, the victory was not without its costs. Both sides suffered casualties, though the Union forces were able to retreat in good order and maintain a foothold in the region.
The Confederate victory at Independence did not result in a lasting change in the war’s overall trajectory. While the Confederacy gained some short-term momentum in Missouri, it was ultimately unable to hold the state for the duration of the war. The Union would go on to reclaim much of Missouri in subsequent years, aided by the efforts of Union generals like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, who would later go on to achieve fame in other major campaigns of the war.
Despite this, the Battle of Independence had a lasting impact on the region. The Confederate victory served to bolster morale among Confederate troops and sympathizers in Missouri, while it also highlighted the challenges faced by Union forces in controlling the border states. The battle was just one of many in the region and was part of the broader conflict that would continue to define the war in the West.
The Battle’s Significance in the Context of the Civil War
While the Battle of Independence is often overshadowed by larger, more famous battles of the Civil War, such as Gettysburg or Antietam, it is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the complexity of the conflict in the border states, where Union and Confederate forces often clashed in a volatile and unpredictable manner. The battle is also a reminder of the importance of strategic locations, such as Independence, which could influence the broader course of the war.
Additionally, the battle underscores the role of local militias and guerrilla warfare in the Civil War. In the border states, the war was not only fought by professional soldiers but also by local fighters who had a deep, personal stake in the outcome. These guerrilla forces often used unconventional tactics to harass and disrupt Union operations, complicating the Union’s efforts to maintain control over Missouri and other border regions.
Furthermore, the Battle of Independence serves as a testament to the resilience of both Union and Confederate forces. Although the Confederates won the battle, the Union forces were able to regroup and continue fighting in the region. This ability to recover and continue fighting in the face of defeat was a common theme throughout the Civil War, and it played a major role in determining the ultimate outcome of the conflict.
Conclusion
The Battle of Independence, fought on August 11, 1862, was a pivotal event in the broader struggle for control over Missouri and the American Midwest during the Civil War. The Confederate victory, though not decisive in the grand scheme of the war, helped to solidify Confederate control over parts of Missouri and boosted morale among Southern forces. However, the battle also highlighted the challenges faced by both sides in a war that was marked by irregular warfare, shifting alliances, and unpredictable outcomes.
For those studying the American Civil War, the Battle of Independence is a reminder of the complexity and significance of the border state conflicts, as well as the importance of both conventional and irregular warfare in shaping the war’s outcome. While it may not have the same fame as battles like Gettysburg or Antietam, the battle was an important chapter in the war and contributed to the larger narrative of the American Civil War.
Sources:
- Clodfelter, Michael. Warfare and Armed Conflict: A Statistical Reference. p. 277