Cape Girardeau

BATTLE OF CAPE GIRARDEAU – APRIL 26, 1863

Fort ordered constructed by Gen. Fremont in 1861.
CSA Gen. Marmaduke’s failed attack here ended his 2^nd Missouri Raid. 
Forces Engaged: Union: 4,000 vs. CSA Cavalry 5,000 

VISITOR INFORMATION
Stamp Location: VisitCape (Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau), when staff available
Website: www.visitcape.com
Address: 220 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo 63701
Phone Number: 573-335-1631 or 800-777-0068
Staff Available: Mon-Thu: 8 am-5 pm, Fri: 8 am-4 pm
Visit Fee: None

Virtual tour of Fort D Historic Site from 2017:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjJeG69T3ys

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INTERIOR DEPT. SUMMARY:  Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke sought to strike Brig. Gen. John McNeil, with his combined force of about 2,000 men, at Bloomfield, Missouri. McNeil retreated and Marmaduke followed. Marmaduke received notification, on April 25, that McNeil was near Cape Girardeau. He sent troops to destroy or capture McNeil’s force, but then he learned that the Federals had placed themselves in the fortifications. Marmaduke ordered one of his brigades to make a demonstration to ascertain the Federals strength. Col. John S. Shelby’s brigade made the demonstration which escalated into an attack. Those Union forces not already in fortifications retreated into them. Realizing the Federals strength, Marmaduke withdrew his division to Jackson. After finding the force he had been chasing, Marmaduke was repulsed. Meant to relieve pressure on other Confederate troops and to disrupt Union operations, Marmaduke’s expedition did little to fulfill either objective.

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John McNeil [US]; Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 337 total (US 12; CS 325)
Result: Union victory