Newtonia II

BATTLE OF NEWTONIA II – OCTOBER 28, 1864

Last battle of the Civil War fought in Missouri; a delaying action fought by CSA Brig. Gen. Shelby’s cavalry in an effort to cover Gen. Price’s retreat into Arkansas after his failed 1864 raid into Missouri. 

Forces Engaged: Union 1,500 vs. CSA 2,000

VISITOR INFORMATION

Stamp Location: The Ritchey Mansion
Website: None.
Address: 520 Mill Street, Stark City, Mo. 64866
Phone Numbers: 417-437-5974 or 417-850-1064. Please call ahead.
Staff Available: Not regularly staffed; site accessible daily, including weekends; tours available upon request. Call first to arrange a day/time.
Visit Fee: None.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Click on the link below for a battle summary from the American Battlefield Trust’s website. “The Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association preserves and interprets the Matthew H. Ritchey home and 25 acres of surrounding 1862 and 1864 battlefields. Most of the battlefield is on private lands. The Ritchey home served as both Union and Confederate headquarters at different times during the battles.” —American Battlefield Trust

(Photo: Matthew H. Ritchie Home (Ritchey Mansion), 2013, National Park Service)

INTERIOR DEPT. SUMMARY: Price’s force was in full retreat following its expedition into Missouri. On October 28, 1864, it stopped to rest about two miles south of Newtonia, Missouri. Soon afterward, Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt’s Union troops surprised the Confederates and began to drive them. Brig. Gen. Joe Shelby’s division, including his Iron Brigade, rode to the front, dismounted, and engaged the Yankees while the other Rebel troops retreated towards Indian Territory. Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn later appeared with Union reinforcements which convinced Shelby to retire. The Union troops forced the Confederates to retreat but failed to destroy or capture them.

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt [US]; Maj. Gen. Sterling Price [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 650 total (US 400; CS 250)
Result: Union victory