The Ray House, located at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, is the only surviving dwelling from the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, August 10, 1861.
Built about 1852 by John Ray, the house sits on a hill facing north-northwest to take advantage of the prevailing southwest winds for cooling in the summer. The Rays owned a prosperous 420 acre farm by 1861.
During the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the Ray family, along with Rhoda, their slave and her children, took shelter in the cellar of the house. When they emerged they found their house had been taken over as a Southern field hospital. Roxanna, Aunt Rhoda and their children assisted in the treatment of the wounded.
The body of General Nathaniel Lyon was brought to the Ray House, examined and prepared for transport back to Springfield. Roxanna provided a counterpane to cover the body.
The Ray House was occupied by several owners until 1960 when it was purchased by the National Park Service.
Many homes in the Trans-Mississippi Theater were seized by the armies for use as field hospitals. Although undoubtedly some homeowners were willing to contribute to their cause by “loaning” their homes to the military, others were probably left with little choice but to temporarily surrender their dwellings to army surgeons.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31357
