Description

Battle of Fredericktown (October 21, 1861) was a key Union counterstrike in southeast Missouri that helped reestablish control after a series of earlier setbacks.

Fought near Fredericktown, this engagement saw Union forces under Brigadier Generals Ulysses S. Grant and John Pope move against Confederate-aligned troops led by M. Jeff Thompson, who had been operating in the region and threatening Union supply lines.

After locating Thompson’s forces, Union troops engaged them in a pitched battle marked by artillery exchanges and steady infantry advances. Using their numerical advantage, Union forces pressed forward, gradually forcing the Confederates to withdraw from the field.

This fast, easy-to-read guide breaks the battle down into:

• Fast Facts and key details

• Who fought on each side

• A clear, step-by-step account of the engagement

• Who won and how the battle unfolded

• Why the battle mattered in the broader Missouri campaign

The Union victory at Fredericktown helped stabilize southeast Missouri and protect critical supply routes. It also demonstrated improved coordination among Union commanders and showed that Confederate-aligned operations in the region could be challenged and pushed back.

Perfect for Civil War enthusiasts, students, and battlefield travelers, this guide provides a focused look at an important but often overlooked Union victory in Missouri.