Roan’s Tan Yard

BATTLE AT ROAN’S TAN YARD – January 8, 1862

Forces Engaged: Union 450 vs. Gov. Jackson’s secessionist Missouri State Guard 800

VISITOR INFORMATION

Marker Location: From stamp location, go 2-4/10 miles west and turn right on CR 2495. Go 6/10 on CR 2495. Marker is on left side of road at fence line, soon after crossing branch (creek bed) and before going uphill.
Stamp Location: Cooper’s Oak Winery
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Skullsplitterspirits
Address: 9603 Highway B, Higbee, Mo.
Directions: go 2/10 west on Rt. B from the intersection of Rts. B & A at north end of Higbee
Phone Number: 660-456-7660
Staff Available: Mon-Fri: 12 pm-4 pm; Sat: 12-5 pm; special arrangements by phoning ahead.
Visit Fee: None
More Info:  At Cooper’s Oak Winery, be sure to ask about blacksmithing and cooperage (barrel-making).
Note: A wine-tasting stop on the Missouri River Wine Trail.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INTERIOR DEPT. SUMMARY: Rumors and sightings of a Confederate force in the Howard County area had circulated for more than a week, but the Union troops could not locate them. On January 7, 1862, information came to hand that Col. J. A. Poindexter and his Confederate force were camped on Silver Creek. Detachments from various Union units came together and headed towards the Confederate camp which was about 14 miles northwest of Fayette. After finding the camp, the force attacked, routing the enemy and sending those that were not killed, wounded, or captured fleeing for safety. Afterwards, the Union force destroyed the camp to prevent its further use. The Confederates could no longer use their Randolph County base for recruiting and raiding.

Principal Commanders: Maj. W.M.G. Torrence [US]; Col. J.A. Poindexter [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 91 total (US 11; CS 80)
Result: Union victory

Related Website: National Parks Service – Battle summary: Roan’s Tan Yard
Related Website: CivilWarHorror.blogspot.com – The Civil War Battle of Roan’s Tan Yard
Related Website: The State Historical Society of Missouri – Randolph County

WIKIPEDIA BATTLE SUMMARY: The Battle of Roan’s Tan Yard (also known as Silver Creek) was an action during the American Civil War, occurring on January 8, 1862, in Randolph County, Missouri.

Rumors and sightings of a Confederate force in the Howard County area had circulated for more than a week, but the Union troops could not locate them. On January 7, 1862, information was received that Col. John A. Poindexter and his force of 800 Missouri State Guard recruits were camped on Silver Creek. Detachments from various Union units came together and headed towards the Confederate camp which was about 14 miles northwest of Fayette. Despite heavy fog, the Federal troops found the camp and attacked in the late afternoon, routing the enemy in only 40 minutes and sending those that were not killed, wounded, or captured fleeing for safety. Two companies of Federal cavalry were ordered to cut off the Confederates’ retreat, but darkness and heavy fog, together with thick underbrush, rendered it impossible.

Afterward, the Union force destroyed the camp to prevent its further use. The Confederates could no longer use their Randolph County base for recruiting and raiding. [Source: Wikipedia]