Gallery: Actions in the fall of 1861 and early 1862
Springfield, Mo. Square Sketch
This Alexander Simplot drawing of the “Plaza at Springfield” depicts the Federal hospital (the new courthouse) on the right, with a flag flying from the roof. Near the center are the ruins of the old courthouse; in the background are columns of soldiers on the march. The drawing was made during the fall of 1861, and appeared in the November 30, 1861, issue of Harper’s Weekly; it was part of a short article reporting General John C. Fremont’s army in Springfield, Missouri.
During the fall of 1861, Harper’s Weekly spent considerable time covering the activities of General Fremont. His large Union army managed to move into southwest Missouri, but failed to bring Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri State Guard to battle.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30802
