left marker

Oct. 22, 1864
Union General Curtis set up a defensive line on the west side of the Big Blue River from the Missouri River upstream for 15 miles to stop Confederate General Price advancing from the east. A Battalion of Kansas Militia arrived here before daylight and Jennison's Brigade with 1000 cavalry and 5 howitzers with a skirmish line along the river. The militia felled trees to block the ford. Thompson's CSA Brigade of 2000 men reached the river at 11 A.M. and was stopped. At 3 P.M. Gordon's Regiment crossed the river 1 mile upstream. Slayback's Battalion crossed downstream flanking Jennison. His skirmishers were driven back and Thompson crossed driving Jennison to the west. The ford was cleared and Price's Army and wagon train crossed here.

right marker

Oct. 23, 1864
Union Gen. Pleasanton's Cavalry Division, in the rear of Gen. Price's Army, defeated Price's divisions under Fagan and Marmaduke on the 22nd at Independence. Marmaduke's Division of 2500 cavalrymen and 6 guns was in position here by daylight. Clark's Brigade was on the hill to the west and Freeman's Brigade and 2 of Clark's Regiments were along the river. (see map) Pleasanton with 3500 cavalrymen and 3 guns attacked after sunup. The ford had again been blocked. Crossing was first made north of the ford and then south of the ford driving the Freeman to the top of the cliff. A mounted charge up the roar failed. After heavy fighting dismounted men drove Freeman from the cliff. A final charge pushed Marmaduke to the west. Both sides lost many men. The Union had 200 killed and wounded.

map of the Battle of the Big Blue

dedication plaque

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